Douglasville Woman Lisa Valentine Sues Over Muslim Headscarf Arrest

Dec 14, 2010 - 14:17
Dec 14, 2010 - 14:28
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Douglasville Woman Lisa Valentine Sues Over Muslim Headscarf Arrest

DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. - A Muslim woman Lisa Valentine who was arrested after she refused to remove her headscarf in a west Georgia courthouse has filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Douglasville and the officers who arrested her.

Lisa Valentine claims in the lawsuit filed Tuesday that her free speech rights were violated when she was ordered to serve 10 days in jail for contempt of court in December 2008 after she refused to remove her hijab at a courtroom.

Valentine was released in less than a day.

The lawsuit was filed by the ACLU and the ACLU of Georgia.

Valentine's arrest forced judicial officials to overhaul courtroom policy. The Judicial Council of Georgia in July 2009 voted to allow religious and medical headgear into Georgia courtrooms.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.