Islamic Center in Mobile, AL Denied Expansion

Written by Don Byrd
The City Council of Mobile, Alabama cited traffic and parking concerns in denying an Islamic Center’s request for expansion. Echoing controversies in Murfreesboro, TN and New York, this dispute pitting religious freedom against zoning regulations may be headed to court as well.

Texas School District to Appeal Cheerleader Ruling, Seek Clarification

Written by Don Byrd
Texas’ Kountze School District has decided to appeal a state judge’s decision after all in a controversial case involving religious banners created by cheerleaders for high school football games. The news is something of a surprise since the School District claimed to agree with the judge’s decision allowing the banners to continue. But school officials claim they need guidance moving forward.

Student Pleas Ignored, Graduation Prayer Goes on

Written by Don Byrd
The class president at Kentucky’s Lincoln County High School received a standing ovation after praying during his graduation speech. Several were not cheering though, including the six students who begged their principal not to turn their only high school commencement into a religious ceremony.

10th Circuit Hears Hobby Lobby Appeal

Written by Don Byrd
Last week, the 10th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals heard the contraception mandate case involving Hobby Lobby’s challenge of the federal health case law known as Obamacare.This is both the most high profile and seemingly the farthest along of any of the disputes pitting the Department of Justice against a private employer seeking to avoid the contraception coverage requirement on religious freedom grounds.

Arizona Senate Passes Changes to RFRA, Sends to Governor

Written by Don Byrd
I posted earlier about the Arizona bill making its way through the legislature that would broaden the free exercise protections in the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Among other changes, the bill would allow plaintiffs to bring suit for “potential violations.”

Here’s a quick update: yesterday the Senate passed the measure “with little debate” and sent it to the Governor for her signature. While proponents argue the change is not substantive, others are concerned about the unknown.