Religious Objection to Taxes Lands Oregon Man in Prison

Written by Don Byrd
A 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 Byrd
Yesterday’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 Byrd
A 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.

Atheist Monuments to Join Ten Commandments

Written by Don Byrd
If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. That’s the new strategy of a group of atheists who object on church-state grounds to Ten Commandments monuments on public land. The New York Times today profiles the effort, which recently erected its first atheist monument in Starke, Florida.

Michigan School District: No Coach Participation Allowed in Student-Led Prayers

Written by Don Byrd
A school district near Detroit has ended the practice of coach involvement in pre-game prayers before high school football games. Following an ACLU complaint, the coach apologized and the Bloomfield Hills school officials sought to clarify the policy does not mean prayer has been banned at the school.

NYTimes: Contraception Mandate Rule is the Right Religious Freedom Balance

Written by Don Byrd
Last week, the Obama Administration issued a final rule governing the contraception coverage mandate in the Affordable Care Act. The rule exempts houses of worship, and allows religious institutions like hospitals to avoid the costs of providing such coverage while still requiring insurance companies to provide it for employees. Many employers and religious institutions argue those accommodations do not go far enough, an editorial in today’s New York Times makes the case that the rule hits the right balance.