The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled a Christian-only auto repair franchise is not a constitutional violation. The company, Christian Brothers Automotive, only allows self-professing Christians to be franchise owners. There are 300 franchises nationwide.
Appeals court rules Christian auto repair chain can limit franchises to Christians
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EXCERPT:
A federal appeals court ruled that Christian Brothers Automotive can make Christianity a requirement for its franchise owners, rejecting a Jewish man’s racial discrimination lawsuit.
Three judges on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the Houston-based company in a Sept. 30 ruling. They found no evidence that the chain rejected the applicant based on race.
Mark Carr and a partner opened the first auto repair shop in Mission Bend, Texas, in 1982. Christian Brothers started selling franchises in 1996 and now has more than 310 locations nationwide.
The company says it follows the biblical command to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Its shops close on weekends, giving owners and employees time with their families.
Christian Brothers requires franchise owners to share its faith and give a personal Christian testimony. The company has followed the rule for decades.
Its franchise owners come from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and at least two are Christians who are ethnic Jews.
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