Above, LCpl Sterling shows the strip of paper that she posted along the top of her computer monitor. Photo by Wynona Benson Photography
September 2015 – Lance Corporal Monifa Sterling placed a strip of paper containing the words “No weapons formed against me shall prosper” on her work desk. The military determined the Scripture “could be seen as contrary to good order and discipline.”
Sterling represented herself during the court-martial proceedings and argued that having a Bible verse at her desk was a form of religious expression. The court disagreed.
Liberty Institute and former U.S. solicitor general Paul Clement will appeal her case. Michael Berry of Liberty Institute said, “Restricting a Marine’s free exercise of religion is blatantly unconstitutional.”
