On December 17, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that the ministerial exception does not bar a teacher in a Catholic school who was fired because she needed time off work for surgery and chemotherapy from pursuing a claim under the Americans with Disability Act.
Year: 2018
Telling the Truth About Santa Claus is “Blasphemy” in America
Aaron Urbanski, 31, was charged Saturday with a criminal disturbance in Cleburne, Texas after protesting outside of a church during a a “Breakfast with Santa Event.” His crime was telling kids that Santa Claus was not real, according to The Associated Press. A week before in New Jersey, a school district fired a substitute teacher who also told students that Santa Claus is not real. Apparently, telling the truth about Santa Claus constitutes “blasphemy” in America.
Minnesota Congresswoman’s Proposal to Allow Religious Headwear Deserves Support
Minnesota Democrat Ilhan Omar, elected Nov. 6, 2018, to the U.S. House of Representatives, has co-authored a proposal that, among other things, will make it clear that the House Rules allow religious headwear to be worn inside the House chamber. Omar is one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress. Omar…
Supreme Court to decide whether Excessive Fines Clause applies to states
The Supreme Court is likely to decide that the 14th Amendment applies the Excessive Fines Clause of the 8th Amendment of the Bill of Rights to the states in Indiana civil forfeiture case.
Idaho Jury Finds HOA Discriminated Against Religion in Christmas House Case
A camel, goats, 200,000 lights, and hundreds of people being Shuttled into your neighborhood to meet Santa Claus? HOA says, “No Thanks” and gets slapped with a religious discrimination lawsuit, and the jury rules against the HOA.
Supreme Court Agrees to Hear WWI Memorial Cross Case
[dc]T[/dc]he Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal of a 4th Circuit decision involving a Maryland cross-shaped WWI memorial. In 2017, the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals held 2-1 that the structure, erected in 1925, “has the primary effect of excessively endorsing religion and excessively entangles the government in religion.”
Grace v. Works: Alabama 10 Commandments referendum is theologically confusing
Setting the Constitutional separation of church and state issue aside, Alabama’s 10 Commandments referendum still creates theological confusion for Christians by promoting the law without the corresponding remedy of grace.
Clergy Housing Tax Exemption Case Heard by Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments this week in Gaylor v. Peecher, a case that challenges the constitutionality of tax-exempt housing for clergy. Under 25 U.S.C. § 107(2), a pastor may receive a payment separate from taxable salary to pay for housing-related expenses including rent, mortgages and utility services.
Founders’ First Freedom Files “Friend of the Court” Brief Asking Court to Hear Religious Accommodation Case
Walgreen v Patterson gives the Supreme Court the opportunity to promote consistency and predictability and resolve disputed interpretation between Circuits, Congress, and the EEOC in a manner that is respectful of both religious beliefs and business needs says amicus Founders’ First Freedom.
Turning Back the Clock: The Plot to Dismantle the Establishment Clause
Over the last few decades, a religious movement has gained widespread political power with the stated intent of turning back the clock by dismantling the Establishment Clause, which requires separation of church and state.