A former Bath & Body Works manager is taking legal action after being fired for refusing to use transgender pronouns, arguing that the company violated her religious freedom.
At a Glance
- Jocelyn Boden alleges she was terminated for refusing, on religious grounds, to use a transgender employee’s pronouns.
- The First Liberty Institute is representing her, citing violations of federal and Utah anti-discrimination laws.
- Complaints from coworkers triggered an internal investigation and her dismissal.
- Bath & Body Works defends the firing, citing its legal obligations and inclusivity commitments.
When Faith Collides with Corporate Mandates
Jocelyn Boden, a devout Latter-day Saint and former manager in Utah, says she was forced out of her job for not using male pronouns for a transgender employee. Instead, she used the employee’s chosen name, which she believed was a respectful compromise. Despite that, complaints piled up, and the company launched an investigation. Fox News reported that Boden’s termination has sparked national attention and backlash.
A former Bath & Body Works manager says she was fired for refusing to use a transgender employee’s pronouns, citing religious objections.
Jocelyn Boden, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, filed a discrimination charge with the U.S. Equal Employment… pic.twitter.com/ArzRc2Nxzi
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 9, 2025
She’s now represented by the conservative First Liberty Institute, which has filed a complaint with the EEOC. Attorney Stephanie Taub emphasized that Boden “served faithfully for over three years” and believes her religious beliefs should have been accommodated.
Watch a report: Fired for Misgendering? Woman Fights Back After Termination
Legal Stakes in a Cultural Flashpoint
First Liberty argues that Boden’s firing violated protections under Title VII and Utah’s Anti-discrimination Act. They contend she could have been accommodated by using names only, without violating company policy. Her termination notice reportedly stated she “refused to use correct pronouns,” which led directly to her dismissal.
Bath & Body Works, however, insists its actions were lawful and necessary. The company received a perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion and says it follows all federal and state employment regulations. A spokesperson reaffirmed their stance: “We do not discriminate in the management of our associates on the basis of any protected status.”
The Fight Ahead
Boden’s case could reshape the debate over how far corporate inclusivity policies can go before infringing on personal belief systems. As more companies adopt mandatory pronoun usage, courts may be forced to draw new boundaries around faith-based objections in the workplace. The outcome of this battle could reverberate far beyond Bath & Body Works.
