Janice Paul, A/k/a/ Janice Perez v. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.

REINHARDT, Circuit Judge:

Janice Paul, a former member of the Jehovah’s Witness Church, appeals from the grant of summary judgment in favor of defendants, the corporate arms of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Paul contends that she is being “shunned” by adherents of the Jehovah’s Witness faith. She initially filed suit in state court, setting forth various tort claims. Defendants removed the action on the ground of diversity. Because the practice of shunning is a part of the faith of the Jehovah’s Witness, we find that the “free exercise” provision of the United States Constitution…