A devout Catholic has been awarded nearly $13 million in damages in a discrimination lawsuit that claimed she was fired in 2022 for refusing to follow her company’s COVID-19 vaccine instructions because it went against her religion.

Lisa Domski, an IT specialist for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), had worked for the company for a total of nearly 40 years before the nonprofit banned her because she couldn’t get the vaccine.

BCBSM implemented a mandatory vaccination policy for its employees in October 2021, requiring all staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless applying for religious or medical accommodations.

The company gave all its employees until December 8, 2021 to comply with the order.

According to a report, despite following the appropriate channels provided by BCBSM for employees to apply for religious exemptions, Domski’s request was denied. discrimination case Originally obtained by Epoch Times.

Domski, a staunch Catholic from Wyandotte, Michigan, rejected vaccines because he believed the vaccines in circulation at the time were either tested or developed using fetal cells obtained from abortion. The Catholic Herald reported.

After the request was denied, BCBSM allegedly threatened its long-time employee with termination if he did not comply with the order.

Domski still refused and was fired on Jan. 5, 2022, after nearly a month of unpaid leave, according to the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for Eastern Michigan in August 2023.

He was among about 250 employees fired by the company after requesting a religious exemption.

The company claimed in court filings that Domski lacked sincere religious beliefs.

Domski had transitioned to a full-time remote worker during the pandemic, and was already working 75% of her job from home before the pandemic in 2020.

The company claimed that Domski was unaware of his religion, despite his petition containing the contact information of his pastor and congregation.

BCBSM conducted a series of interviews with all employees who requested relief from duty, but the process was “arbitrary and woefully inconsistent,” according to the lawsuit.

Domski’s attorney questioned why a fully remote employee would be required to get vaccinated when clients or contractors at the facility would need the vaccine.

“This was a woman who worked from home in her basement office, posed no threat to anyone, and had fulfilled all her work obligations for 38 years.” Jon Marko told Fox News.

“They decided that they would discriminate against people who sincerely defend their religious beliefs,” he added.

A jury in Detroit federal court ruled in Domski’s favor, awarding him a total of $12.69 million in damages.

Of the approximately $13 million received, $10 million was marked as “punitive damages”; Approximately $1.7 million was recorded as lost wages and another $1 million was recorded as non-economic damages.

BCBSM denied any discrimination against Domski and was exploring appeal options following the decision.

“Blue Cross respects the jury process and thanks the jurors for their service, but we are disappointed in the verdict,” the health insurer said. “Blue Cross is reviewing its legal options and will determine its course of action in the coming days.”

Marko celebrated the court decision and said it was a “major victory” that “sets a strong precedent as similar cases continue to emerge across the country.” he said on Facebook.

With postal wires.