OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A Fremont man is suing the state of Nebraska, saying his constitutional rights were violated when he was required to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, even though he objected to the organization’s religious foundation.
Marvin Sundquist, of Fremont, says his massage therapy license was placed on probationary status last year, and he was ordered to attend AA meetings as part of his probation. Sundquist says the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office moved to revoke his massage therapy license when he objected to mandatory attendance of AA. He says he asked to see an alcohol counselor who offers a non-religious program, but was denied that option by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
Sundquist is asking for $200,000, saying the state cost him a promising career as a massage therapist.