Toll Booth Worker Not Permitted to Say, "God Bless You"

Carrie Dedrick | Updated: Oct 03, 2014

Toll Booth Worker Not Permitted to Say, "God Bless You"

A toll booth attendant in New Jersey says that her supervisor forbid her from telling motorists, “God bless you” at work. Cynthia Fernandez has now filed a lawsuit against the Garden State Parkway for blocking her First Amendment right to Freedom of Speech. 

Fernandez said in regard to her supervisor, "He said, 'I don't want you to say "God bless you" anymore. I don't want you to offend anybody.’”

Charisma News reports that Fernandez sent motorists passing through her booth with a smile and the words, “Have a good day. God bless.” She did not receive any complaints. 

Fernandez said, "People would tell me I'm the friendliest toll-booth worker they've met.” 

The toll booth attendant also pointed out that she was not violating the Garden State Parkway’s rulebook. 

"The handbook says no phones, no foul language, no radios. Not one line says do not say 'God bless,’” Fernandez said. 

Fernandez has since resigned from her position at Garden State Parkway. 

Publication date: October 3, 2014



Toll Booth Worker Not Permitted to Say, "God Bless You"