Woman eyeing Supreme Court over exorcism

COLLEYVILLE, Texas, July 27 (UPI) -- A 29-year-old Georgia woman who claims she was hurt during an exorcism 12 years ago says she may appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Laura Schubert Pearson said while the Texas Supreme Court dismissed her lawsuit in June, she remains intent on obtaining justice from those who allegedly restrained her for two days in 1996 in Colleyville, Texas, so they could conduct an exorcism on her, the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram reported Sunday.

Pearson alleges Pleasant Glade Assembly of God Church youth pastor Rod Linzay held her captive for two days with the help of several other people. Pearson alleges she repeatedly asked to be released, but was restrained by her captors for the exorcism.

The incident stemmed from an alleged sighting of a demon, which certain members of the church allegedly suspected had possessed Pearson.

Pearson sued the church for alleged physical and emotional damage she suffered, but has been unsuccessful in her legal efforts.

"You can't use your religious beliefs to get away with harming a child," she told the newspaper.