Coming Soon (Hopefully)

To say this is a longshot would be an understatement. Nonetheless, let's all hope the Supreme court decides to hear this case, and subsequently rules in Ms. Cloutier's favor.

The future of our holy institution hangs in the balance.

Woman Goes To Court Over Eyebrow Ring

W. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- A former Costco Wholesale worker who was fired in 2001 for refusing to remove her eyebrow ring has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear her appeal.

Kimberly M. Cloutier, of West Springfield, said she wears her eyebrow ring as a sign of faith, and has accused Costco of religious discrimination. She has said she is a member of the Church of Body Modification.

The church, established in 1999, counts about 1,000 members who participate in practices such as piercing and tattooing, according to a December ruling by the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld a trial judge's finding in Costco's favor.

Lynn A. Kappelman, a lawyer for Costco, declined to comment. The company has argued that Cloutier's beliefs are political or social instead of religious.

Cloutier's lawyer, Michael O. Shea, filed a petition Monday asking the Supreme Court to consider hearing the case. The court does not hear all such requests.

Let us pray.