Dentist ordered to pay $350,000 to a former employee for religious discrimination www.privateofficer.com

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BEND, Ore.Oct 8 2012-- A Benddentist has been ordered to pay nearly $350,000 to a former employee forpressuring her to attend a Scientology-affiliated training symposium.Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian says the dental hygienistobjected because attending would conflict with her Christian beliefs, thedentist threatened to fire her, and she quit. Avakian said she was hounded outof the job in a case of religious discrimination.The Bend Bulletin reports the employee, Susan Muhleman, hasmoved to Texas.The paper reported that Dr. Andrew Engel said at a hearinghe didn't violate the law or discriminate against her. He didn't immediatelyanswer an email request Friday for comment.Avakian said in a statement the award covers lost wages andhealth benefits, expenses for her move to find work, and emotional distress.