WASHINGTON – Another lawsuit against a credit union that alleged its website violated the Americans with Disabilities Act has been dismissed. It marks the second such dismissal in two days.
A federal district court in Virginia again found that the plaintiff did not have standing to sue Washington Gas Light Federal Credit Union because he was not eligible for membership and would likely not use the credit union's services.
As CUToday.info reported here, one day earlier a similar suit against Local 20 IBEW FCU was voluntarily dismissed earlier in the week. CUToday.info also published an extensive report on where the effort to fight such lawsuits stands as well as what some credit unions are doing in response.
"As another lawsuit against a credit union is dismissed on this matter, NAFCU is pleased to see the courts recognize that these plaintiffs have no standing and are following precedent of other recent decisions," said NAFCU President/CEO Dan Berger. "NAFCU will continue to defend our members in this fight; we hope these meritless lawsuits will end soon."
NAFCU had earlier filed an amicus brief in support of this credit union, which was noted in the court's decision. The decision also references previous credit union lawsuits related to this issue that have been dismissed.
Both CUNA and NAFCU continue to call on the Department of Justice and Congress to provide clarity and guidance around issues related to such suits.
“NAFCU and its members strongly support the protections of the ADA and efforts to ensure individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against and have equal access to financial services,” NAFCU said in a statement. “However, this is best achieved through clear guidance and standards for website compliance, not through meritless and costly lawsuits.”