The legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia expressed concern about Jane Doe’s safety Monday and said the next step in the lawsuit against the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors is up to the plaintiff.
“We’re reviewing the situation carefully and considering what course of action to take,” said Rebecca Glenberg. “It’s her decision to make.”
Federal Judge Michael Urbanski denied Jane Doe’s request to remain anonymous. She has 30 days to reveal herself to the court or appeal the judge’s decision.
The ACLU filed a lawsuit against the board in September on behalf of an anonymous plaintiff over the board’s practice of holding sectarian Christian prayers at public meetings. The ACLU said the practice violates the First Amendment and amounts to government advancement of a religion.
Urbanski also issued a preliminary injunction Friday prohibiting the board of supervisors from holding sectarian Christian prayers during its public meetings while Jane Doe’s case is pending in court. In addition, Urbanski denied the board’s request to dismiss the case.
Sen. Bill Stanley, attorney for the board of supervisors, said requesting anonymity is a “very, very, drastic request,” and said certain factors would have to be present to warrant proceeding anonymously.
“She did not meet that burden,” Stanley said Monday.
Stanley said there were many reasons why Jane Doe should not be allowed to remain anonymous, but he declined to reveal them. The board’s requests for the court to deny her anonymity were filed under deal, Stanley said.
During an interview Monday, Glenberg said the ACLU is concerned for Jane Doe’s well-being and safety in Pittsylvania County.
“We’ve seen a lot of hostility in the community toward … this case,” Glenberg said.
Similar past cases have involved harassment, threats and violence, Glenberg said. She declined to comment when asked what type of reaction Jane Doe has experienced since the case began last year.
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