A trial set to start Tuesday in federal court in southeast Georgia will decide whether or not a couple that did not receive the special vegan meals they requested while in jail should receive millions of dollars in damages for First Amendment violations.

Patrick O'Connor of Oliver Maner, Savannah. (Photo: John Disney/ALM) Patrick O’Connor of Oliver Maner, Savannah. (Photo: John Disney/ALM)

Pastor Tracy Christopher Smith and his wife, Candice Smith, spent more than eight months in the Glynn County Detention Center in Brunswick starting in October 2018 after being arrested for interstate interference with custody involving the parents of a child for whom they were serving as guardians. While in jail, the Smiths, who travel the world as missionaries for Free Seventh Day Adventist Church, requested special vegan meals, citing religious reasons. Inmates at the jail could request and be given special meals, such as vegetarian ones, for health or religious purposes.