Virginia Supreme Court upholds teacher's right to refuse using student's chosen pronouns

Virginia's Supreme Court has revived a lawsuit by a teacher who was fired for refusing to use the pronouns of a transgender student, claiming it violated his religious liberties and free-speech rights. The 4-3 decision overturns a lower court ruling and sends the case back for trial. The Alliance Defending Freedom, representing the teacher, hailed the ruling as a "sweeping victory" for free speech and religious rights, while critics argue it gives teachers a right to discriminate. The ruling has drawn attention for pitting transgender rights against religious freedom, and dissenting justices expressed concern about the broadness of the decision.