Perhaps in recognition of the long-term perils faced by both parties, the Court today took on the role of a mediator and even outlined a potential pathway toward resolution.
Category: Current Events
In the Court: Church claim for state funding could open door to regulation
A number of religious organizations have filed amicus briefs in support of a church that is suing the state of Missouri for discrimination when churches are categorically denied funding under the state constitution, but at the same time want to reserve the right to discriminate against groups and individuals when it comes to the use of state-funded church-based infrastructure. Trinity Lutheran Church v. Pauley is ostensibly only about the availability of direct funding for a church playground, but will this open the door to state regulation of access to the funded infrastructure in the future?
“The most important undertaking” – Hillary Clinton on Religious Liberty
“From my perspective, religious liberty is one of the most important issues on the world’s agenda today. It’s our responsibility to think of ways each of us can further religious liberty and freedom. It’s up to each of us, in the roles that we individually play, to ensure that our nation, which has been the exemplar of religious freedom and tolerance amongst a diverse population, continues to be so.” – Hillary Clinton, April 7, 2005 – Seventh-day Adventist Annual Religious Liberty Dinner
Kentucky legislature removes names of county clerks from marriage licenses
On April 13, 2016, Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin signed legislation (Senate Bill 216) which creates a single form that allows marriage license applicants to choose between being referred to as a bride, groom, or spouse. It also removes county clerks’ names from marriage licenses.
Dr. C. Norman Farley joins ReligiousLiberty.TV Advisory Panel
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Farley to our Advisory panel. He brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge on liberty of conscience issues.
Supreme Court hears oral arguments in key contraception mandate case
This morning the eight-member United States Supreme Court heard the contraceptive mandate cases that were consolidated under the name Zubik v. Burwell (Docket Number 15-191). (See transcript.) They key issue in all the cases was religious employers who rejected the method of receiving the “religious employer exemption” to the Affordable Care Act (2010) which required group health plans and insurance issues to offer plans that provided “approved contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures, and patient education and counseling for all women with reproductive capacity.”
Why Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland deserves serious consideration
This morning President Obama threw a straight pitch directly into the strike zone when he nominated Judge Merrick Garland to the United States Supreme Court to fill the vacancy left by Justice Antonin Scalia. Garland, currently the chief judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, was confirmed to that court in 1997 with bipartisan Congressional support and has been well regarded by both Democrats and Republicans.
Editorial: Why Trump and his gambling addiction Is Terrifically Bad for America
This is no longer the age of the elder George H.W. Bush where the people could be sold on a “thousand points of light” and promote a “kinder, gentler nation.” Americans want to see carnage – the enemy destroyed and the American way of life vindicated.
Supreme Court to Decide Whether Taxpayers Must Pay for Church Playground Upgrade
The Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether Missouri taxpayers can be compelled to pay for “non-sectarian” church upgrades. Case: Trinity Lutheran Church v. Pauley
Oregon Bakers’ $135,000 Fine Held in Escrow Pending Appeal
On Monday, Aaron and Melissa Klein, owners of the Sweet Cakes by Melissa bakery paid a $135,000 fine levied against them by the state of Oregon for refusing on religious grounds to provide a cake for a same-sex commitment ceremony two years ago.