A Louisville Metro Police Department officer has been paid a $75,000 settlement by the Kentucky city after he was photographed praying outside an abortion clinic, his attorney said.
The city reached the settlement after Matthew Schrenger, a 13-year veteran police officer, filed a lawsuit in October against the city’s mayor, police chief, and police department, claiming his constitutional and civil rights were violated when he was placed on administrative leave over photographs showing him praying outside EMW Women’s Surgical Center while off-duty, according to a statement from his attorney.
“The City’s quick offer of $75,000 shows the City knows it committed a significant and inexcusable violation of a loyal officer’s Constitutional rights,” Thomas More Society Senior Counsel Matt Heffron said Thursday. “The treatment of Officer Schrenger was particularly galling considering other Louisville police officers previously had marched, while on-duty and in uniform, in political protests that apparently were approved by the police department.”
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On Feb. 20, 2021, Schrenger was photographed in his police uniform outside the center, according to local news outlet WAVE 3. His attorney said that Schrenger was there to pray “quietly” with his father.
Chief Erika Shields said in June that Schrenger had engaged in protest activity while wearing a uniform, which is against the department’s policy, the report read. Schrenger appeared to try to cover up his uniform after arriving at the clinic, Shields said.
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After a four-month suspension with pay, Schrenger returned to work in June, his attorney said.
The lawsuit, filed with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, sought damages and attorney fees, as well as back and front pay, according to the October court filing.
