September 21, 2009 - Insurer Fined Over Discount for Religious
An insurance company discriminated by offering special benefits and discounts only to "churchgoers" and "persons of faith," the U.S. Justice Department said.
Under a settlement, awaiting court approval, GuideOne Mutual Insurance Company of Des Moines, Iowa, and two of its agents must pay about $10,000 to each of three victims of religious discrimination, the department said Friday. In addition, the companies must pay a $45,000 civil penalty to the federal government.
The companies also must stop offering the "FaithGuard" homeowners and renters benefits it advertised in 19 states.
"Discrimination on the basis of someone's religious faith is prohibited by the Fair Housing Act," Loretta King, acting assistant attorney general for the department's Civil Rights Division, said in a statement. "All individuals have the right to secure homeowners and renters insurance without regard to their religious beliefs, and the Civil Rights Division will continue to ensure those rights are protected."
A federal government lawsuit stemmed from complaints filed by an atheist, an agnostic and the Lexington (Ky.) Fair Housing Council.
The information and materials on this Web site are provided for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. We attempt to provide quality information, but the law changes frequently and varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The information and materials provided are general in nature, and may not apply to a specific factual or legal circumstance. An attorney and client relationship should not be implied. Nothing on this Web site is intended to substitute for the advice of an attorney, therefore if you require legal advice please consult with a competent attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction. All attorneys, unless otherwise noted in website, are not certified by Texas Board of Legal Specialization. See Terms of Use.