Judge Issues Judgment Against Abercrombie & Fitch

Written by Don Byrd
A federal judge in California has granted summary judgment for the EEOC against Abercrombie & Fitch in a workplace religious discrimination suit for refusing to accommodate a Muslim employee’s need to wear a hijab in accordance with her faith. Umme-Hani Khan worked for several months wearing a hijab before a store manager asked her to remove it to conform with the store’s “look policy.” Abercrombie argued they couldn’t reasonably accommodate Khan’s need to wear the hijab without an undue burden.

Scalia: Church-State Standing is the “Greatest Miscarriage of Constitutional Justice”

Written by Don Byrd
Responding to questions following a lecture on Christian virtue and economics, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia said the standing to sue the government for violating the separation of church and state without having one’s free exercise rights violated represents “the greatest miscarriage of constitutional justice” from the court during his tenure. Scalia was speaking at the Lanier Theological Library in Houston on Friday.

The Houston Chronicle has a transcript of the exchange.

It’s Football Season!

Written by Don Byrd
Fall is almost here, and you know what that means: high school football season is upon us. Hot dogs grilling at the concession stand, marching bands playing the fight song, shoulder pads colliding, and cheerleaders urging on the crowd to accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior. Wait, what?

Massachusetts Court Hears “Under God” Argument

Written by Don Byrd
The Supreme Court of Massachussetts heard arguments yesterday over the Pledge of Allegiance recitation in public schools. Specifically, the parents who brought the suit object to their children being “indoctrinated” daily in a religious expression through the phrase “under God.” Participation is of course voluntary, but they argue that isn’t protection enough.

Religion News Service reports on the argument.