Forest Service Changes Course, Renews Jesus Statue Lease

Written by Don Byrd
The U.S. National Forest Service probably made the right decision last year in declining to renew the lease of an organization maintaining a large statue of Christ on the Big Mountain Ski Resort, federal land in Montana. That move was apparently inspired by a Freedom From Religion Foundation complaint, leading to all the outrage from the other side of such issues that you can probably imagine.

Is Administration’s Contraception Coverage Policy Constitutional?

Written by Don Byrd
Lawsuits have been filed challenging the Obama Administration’s decision to include certain types of religious organization in the general requirement that health insurance plans must cover contraception. The policy, announced last week, does exempt houses of worship and religious organizations that employ primarily those of the same faith

6th Circuit Rules University Can’t Expel Counseling Student Over Beliefs

Written by Don Byrd
Overturning a lower court’s decision, the 6th Circuit ruled against Eastern Michigan University and in favor of a counseling student, expelled over her request to refer a patient to another counselor rather than discuss the patient’s same-sex relationship. A unanimous panel of the court ruled that the American Counseling Association rules do not prohibit referrals as the school argued, and sent the case back to the trial court for more hearings.

Sweeping Conscience Bill Introduced in New Hampshire

Written by Don Byrd
Legislation introduced in the New Hampshire legislature would offer broad protections for businesses to refuse wedding services to individuals if the marriage runs counter to their religious beliefs.