A Kelso woman was illegally denied a job at Longview Fibre as a clerk and order checker in 2001 because she was pregnant, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

In a 9-0 decision, the court ruled that Fibre improperly discriminated against Stacy Hegwine, 32, because of her gender, Justice James M. Johnson wrote in the majority opinion.

Hegwine had left another job at a furniture store to take the position at Fibre in February 2001 and was told she would be hired, contingent upon a medical exam, according to the decision. Hegwine disclosed her pregnancy, including a note from her doctor stating she could lift 20 pounds, according to the decision.

Fibre then conducted another review and determined Hegwine would need to be able to lift 60 pounds, according to the decision. The lifting requirement was cited in Fibre's decision not to hire Hegwine, according to the decision.

Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge Stephen Warning ruled in favor of Fibre in 2005. An appellate overturned then overturned his decision.

The case will go back to Cowlitz County Superior Court to determine the damages, which includes current and future wages lost and emotional distress, Brumbaugh said.

Hegwine is seeking about $340,000 in lost wages, her attorney, Mark Brumbaugh, said. Any amount awarded for emotional distress would be up to the court, he said.

Fibre officials could not be reached for comment Thursday.