Here are the key points of the Dept. of Education’s Guidance on Constitutionally Protected Prayer and Religious Expression in Public Schools.
Articles
“So help me God” and the jury – 11th Circuit rules juror who claimed “divine revelation” properly dismissed
When jurors are selected for trial in Federal court, they are asked to adopt the phrase “so help me God.” What happens when they take that oath too seriously?
The Debate over Euthanasia: An Analysis of its Potential Dangers
The debate over euthanasia has been a long–standing moral and ethical issue that has been discussed from a variety of perspectives. Euthanasia is defined as the intentional termination of life by another person for the purpose of relieving suffering. In the context of medical care, it is used to refer to the practice of intentionally…
Supreme Court to decide whether church school teachers are barred from suing for discrimination
The Supreme Court announced today that it would hear arguments in two employment cases involving whether teachers in Catholic Schools can file lawsuits in pursuit of employment non-discrimination rights. The Court has consolidated St. James School v. Biel and Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru, both on appeal from the Ninth Circuit, which decided the teachers could sue.
Texas judge sues for right to refuse to perform same-sex weddings
Texas Justice of the Peace Dianne Hensley has filed a lawsuit against the state agency that sanctioned her last month for refusing to perform same-sex weddings.
Supreme Court declines to hear case involving 1925 baptism
This week, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review a lawsuit filed by a 94-year-old Texas man who claimed that a priest violated his First Amendment rights when he used a crucifix during his 1925 baptism. The Fifth Circuit ruled that it lacked jurisdiction to hear the case in July. The Fifth Circuit’s decision provides…
Methodist denomination files suit alleging SMU covertly severed relationship with church
The United Methodist Church, via a regional conference, has sued for injunctive relief, alleging that Southern Methodist University (SMU) “covertly” modified its bylaws to eliminate church control over the 12,000-student Texas institution.
Solicitor General recommends that Supreme Court hear Sabbath accommodation case
The Solicitor General of the United States, Noel Francisco, has recommended that the United States Supreme Court agree to consider a Sabbath accommodation case involving a Seventh-day Adventist.
Bill introduced today seeks to find balance between religious freedom and LBGT rights
This morning, Congressman Chris Stewart (UT-02) introduced the Fairness for All Act (FFA) to resolve conflicts between the rights of LGBT individuals and the religious liberty rights of individuals.
Indiana court rules Christian groups lack standing to challenge state RFRA
An Indiana state trial court judge has ruled that the conservative family advocacy groups lack standing to challenge gender identity and sexual orientation exclusions in Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act.