(CN) - An Evangelical Christian kindergarten teacher has sued Texas, saying she should not have to be fingerprinted for a criminal background check, as required by state law, because fingerprinting is the Mark of the Beast foretold in the Book of Revelations.
"She does not believe that it is just coincidence that Revelations speaks about only those with the 'mark on his forehead or finger' will be able to buy or sell, since only those teachers that comply with the fingerprinting requirements will maintain their jobs," Pam McLaurin says in her complaint in Lufkin, Texas, Federal Court.
McLaurin, who has taught in the Big Sandy School District in Dallardsville for more than 20 years, says she interprets the book of Revelations in a literal sense.
Her complaint cites Revelations 13:16-17 and 14:9-11, which state that those who receive a mark on their right hand or forehead will bear the Mark of the Beast and will be tormented for eternity with fire and brimstone.
McLaurin said the state violated her religious and due process rights, as well as rights bestowed by the Religious Freedom and Restoration Act, by imposing a certification process that requires her to be fingerprinted or lose her job and career.
She's been given until Nov. 7 to provide her fingerprints. The state provides no alternative means for completing the criminal record check.
McLaurin seeks unspecified damages and declaratory and injunctive relief from the defendants, which include the Texas Education Agency, Texas State Board of Educator Certification, Commissioner Robert Scott and Associate Commissioner Jerel Booker.
She is represented by Scott Skelton with the Zeleskey Law Firm in Lufkin.
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