Maternity store employee alleges religious discrimination for not being allowed to wear cross

GRETNA – A former employee of a store specializing in maternity clothes is suing her former employer for alleged religious discrimination.

Cecilia Hanson filed suit against Destination Maternity Corporation in the 24th Judicial District Court on Sept. 11.

Hanson claims that she began working at the Destination Maternity Corporation store located at 3300 N. Causeway Blvd. and beginning on Oct. 10, 2011 and beginning in September 2012 she was ordered to not wear a cross in the store. The plaintiff alleges the store manager, Tracy Jefferson, issued the orders and also made sarcastic jokes about going to church. Hanson asserts she filed a formal complaint with the human resources department, but it did not investigate the matter and she was fired on Dec. 20, 2012 in retaliation.

The defendant is accused of religious discrimination, violation of state law, intentional infliction of emotional distress, retaliation, failing to supervise employees and defamation of character.

Damages in an amount less than $75,000 are sought for pain and suffering and lost wages.

Hanson is represented by Myles Steib of Metairie-based Gardner & Steib.

The case has been assigned to Division G Judge Robert A. Pitre Jr.

Case no. 730-820.