Former Bremerton coach who prayed on field takes religious liberty case to next level

BREMERTON, Wash. — A former Washington high school assistant football coach has appealed a court decision denying his request to be given back his job.

Related: Bremerton coach fired for praying sues school district

The Kitsap Sun reports former Bremerton High School assistant Joe Kennedy sued the school district after he was placed on paid leave in 2015 when he refused an order to cease praying on the football field following games.

Scroll down to continue reading

TRENDING HEADLINES 

• Toddler struck in the face with 105 mph foul ball at Yankee Stadium 
• 'He can't hear you': Police officer shoots deaf man as neighbors scream warning
• After threats-weapons charges, auburn student allowed back to school
• N. Korea missile could hit Seattle in 30 minutes. Should you worry?
• Tacoma's Weyerhaeuser mansion sells for nearly $6 million

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE NEWS APP

Kennedy's contract was not renewed in 2016.

Related: Case of Bremerton coach fired for praying with players heard in court

A three-judge panel on Aug. 23 declined Kennedy's request for a legal injunction that would have required the district to reinstate him to the position while his lawsuit made its way through the courts.

Kennedy's lawyers on Wednesday made a legal request for a hearing in front of the full circuit (called an "en banc" review) in the appeals court.

Associated Press