SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - A former trooper contends state police discriminated against him by firing him after he refused to work at a casino because it conflicted with his religious beliefs.

In a federal lawsuit, Ben Endres is seeking $250,000 in damages and back pay, reinstatement, punitive damages and legal fees. He said his Baptist beliefs prohibit him from earning a living in the gambling industry.

Endres, 39, was fired in April 2000 for insubordination after state police said he disobeyed two direct orders to report to the Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City. A condition of state gambling permits requires casinos to have a trooper on-duty.

The lawsuit contends that Endres' civil rights were violated and his contract breached. A lawsuit pending in state court alleges that state police did not promptly review an appeal Endres filed after he was terminated.

That lawsuit also seeks reinstatement to his job and back pay.