Contrary to popular belief there's no way to know what Jesus would do or even if he's real, but I know what I'd do. I'd politely decline the study and the paid hour, and if they let me go over it, I'd sue their ass off.

Reading between the lines it sounds like this guy was trying to find alternative work during the time of the Bible study and if he had just declined to attend and not wanted to be paid he'd have been fine.

I don't know how the law views this but I would imagine that if attendance is paid and voluntary then it begs the question whether it's truly voluntary if there's not a choice of other paid work, particularly when, as I suspect is the case here, it would be easy to provide that.

Easy to say no if your single, but i think to would have to stick to your principals.

Ohferpetessake...this is illegal and you know it! Call your state Labor Board, the ACLU, etc etc now!