Tanja Benton, a former employee of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST), has received a settlement worth nearly $700,000 after being fired for refusing to comply with the company’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement. A federal jury found that Benton’s decision to refuse the vaccine was based on a sincerely held religious belief, awarding her over $687,000 in back pay, compensatory and punitive damages.
Benton, who worked primarily as a bio statistical research scientist at BCBST, argued that her job did not involve regular contact with people and that she worked from home during the pandemic. She claimed that receiving the COVID-19 vaccine would go against her beliefs as she believes all vaccines are derived from aborted fetus cell lines.
Despite requesting a religious exemption from the vaccine requirement, BCBST denied Benton’s request and ultimately fired her. The company maintained that the vaccine requirement was in the best interest of its employees and members.
In response to the settlement, BCBST expressed disappointment with the jury’s decision, stating that they believe their vaccine requirement was the best decision for their employees and members. They also mentioned that they appreciate the service of their former employees and believe their accommodation to the vaccine requirement complied with the law.
The case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding vaccine mandates in the workplace and the intersection of personal beliefs with employer requirements.
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