Tennessee County’s Contract with Religious School Found Unconstitutional [UPDATED]
Written by Don Byrd
Alliance of Christian Military Chaplains Announces Narrow Religious Liberty Program
Written by Don ByrdUS News and World Report profiles a new religious liberty campaign involving thousands of military chaplains.
Religious Objection to Taxes Lands Oregon Man in Prison
Written by Don ByrdA federal judge rejected the religious freedom argument of an Oregon man charged with evading taxes for 10 years, sentencing him to 8 years in prison after a jury found him guilty earlier this year.
Sikh Challenge to US Military Service Rules Continues
Written by Don ByrdYesterday’s NYTimes featured a profile of the ongoing efforts of U.S. Army Maj. Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi, an American Sikh who in 2009 was granted the first exception in nearly 30 years from military rules restricting hair length, beards and head coverings. It didn’t come easy. Kalsi fought for two years to fulfill his desire and follow in the Sikh tradition of military service. But his exception was granted under a case-by-case policy which rarely says yes.
Now, Kalsi wants to change the rules altogether.
Wisconsin Legislature to Consider Religious Freedom Amendment
Written by Don ByrdA constitutional amendment proposed in the Wisconsin legislature would add Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) language to the state’s religious freedom guarantees. RFRAs have been enacted in several states to require the government to demonstrate a compelling interest to justify any substantial burden on religious exercise. The proposed amendment in Wisconsin, however, does not require the burden to be substantial.
