The Supreme Court has decided not to consider an appeal concerning the exclusion of potential jurors with religious views on homosexuality in an employment dispute involving a lesbian worker. The case, brought by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, focused on allegations of employment discrimination against the state's Department of Corrections. Jean Finney, the employee involved in the case, claimed retaliation by a colleague after beginning a same-sex relationship with his former spouse.

During the jury selection process, Finney's lawyer asked potential jurors about their religious beliefs on homosexuality. The state argued that three jurors were excluded due to their conservative Christian beliefs, leading to a controversial decision that has sparked discussions on the impact of the Supreme Court's 2015 ruling legalizing same-sex marriage.

Justice Samuel Alito, in a statement, agreed with the decision not to take up the case for technical legal reasons but emphasized the importance of the issues raised. The Missouri Court of Appeals ruled against the state, prompting a plea to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ultimately decided not to hear the case.

Missouri Attorney General Bailey argued against the exclusion of jurors based on religion, stating that bias could be grounds for exclusion but not religious status alone. Finney's lawyers, on the other hand, defended the striking of jurors who showed bias against homosexuals, asserting that her sexuality was a significant factor in the case.