Written by Don ByrdPolitico reports on the brief filed with the U.S. Supreme Court by the Justice Department late Friday in the contraception mandate cases. The government argues the burden placed on religious owners of closely held corporations by the requirement to provide such coverage is not substantial enough to trigger First Amendment protection. The burden, they claim is too indirect.
Written by Don ByrdFollowing up a story from last year, a Tennessee preacher whose church practices snake-handling as part of its religious ceremony will not be charged with violating the state’s wildlife laws. A raid by the Wildlife Resources Agency seized dozens of venomous snakes the law bars from possession. A grand jury, however, after hearing from the pastor himself, declined to hand down indictments.
Written by Don ByrdSCOTUSblog reports the U.S. Supreme Court today released the oral argument calendar for late March and early April. Included in the calendar are high-profile religious cases, Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties. The arguments will be heard Tuesday, March 25.
Written by Don ByrdWhile we wait to find out if federal courts will find a Ten Commandments display at the Oklahoma Capitol constitutional or not, groups are lining up to include their own monuments alongside it if it is allowed. Most recently a group claiming to represent a “Satanic” church in New York has unveiled its proposed statue.
Meanwhile, in a story that strangely feels related to me, a newly elected New York Town Council member who claims to be a member of the farcical Pastafarian religion, whose deity is the Flying Spaghetti Monster, was sworn in wearing a colander on his head. He called it a “statement of religious freedom.”
Written by Don ByrdHow should public school officials protect the religious expression rights of young students while avoiding the appearance of endorsing those religious views and protecting other students from unwelcome proselytizing? Principals, teachers and school boards deal every year with such balancing obligations. When the solution includes refusing to allow the expression, students and their parents are understandably upset and often seek to enforce their rights through the court system. For reasons that escape me, apparently no form of expression causes more contention than candy canes with religious messages attached.
Written by Don ByrdMy last post looked at the government’s position in response to Justice Sotomayor’s New Year’s Eve temporary injunction, halting enforcement of the Affordable Care Act’s contraception coverage mandate against the group. Now that they have filed a response, here is a brief look at their reaction to the arguments of the government.
At central issue to this dispute is a form, available to religious organizations, certifying their religious opposition to the mandate. As a part of the Obama Administration’s plan to accommodate religious organizations, this self-certification form exempts the group from the requirement to provide such coverage to employees. But according to the Sisters of the Poor, that is not all the form does.
Faith.
Freedom.
For All.
The targeting of religious minorities.
The rise of Christian nationalism.
The politicization of houses of worship.
BJC brings people together to tackle today’s serious threats to religious liberty.
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Faith.
Freedom.
For All.
The targeting of religious minorities.
The rise of Christian nationalism.
The politicization of houses of worship.
BJC brings people together to tackle today’s serious threats to religious liberty.