On April 2, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, a case that could determine whether Medicaid beneficiaries have a right to challenge a state’s removal of providers. The Justices closely examined whether the “free choice of provider” clause in the Medicaid Act creates an enforceable right under Section 1983. South Carolina contends it does not, while Planned Parenthood and a Medicaid recipient argue otherwise. A ruling is expected by June 2025.
Category: Human Rights
Academic Review: Separation of Church and Business: A Look at Corporate Disestablishment
In the wake of Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, a law review article by James D. Nelson argues for limiting corporate religiosity to protect employees from religious coercion in the workplace.
Religious Parents Appeal to Supreme Court Over Opt-Out Rights on Gender and Sexuality Education
Religious parents in Montgomery County, Maryland, have appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to reinstate their right to opt their children out of lessons on gender and sexuality. The case, Mahmoud v. Taylor, brings a legal challenge to the Montgomery County Board of Education’s decision to deny parents the ability to exempt their children from exposure to storybooks that include topics such as gender transitions and same-sex relationships.
9th Circuit Upholds Religious Exemption to Title IX in LGBTQ+ Discrimination Case
The 9th Circuit has ruled that religious colleges can continue to claim exemptions from Title IX, allowing gender-based discrimination in alignment with religious beliefs.
Liberté, Égalité, Laïcité: Secular France’s Struggle with Religious Freedom
France’s strict secularism faces challenges in a diverse society. From the French Revolution to modern debates on religious symbols, the nation grapples with balancing laïcité and religious freedom.
Religious Freedom or Christian Privilege? The Controversy Surrounding Project 2025
While critics decry it as a radical departure from church-state separation, a closer examination reveals a more nuanced approach that in some ways echoes mainstream political positions from the not-so-distant past.
The Perilous Power of Political Rhetoric
When wielded by influential figures, harmful rhetoric can set the stage for violence, even if the original intention was merely to win an argument or score political points.
No Clear Verdict: Supreme Court Sidesteps Social Media Censorship Battle
If the government gains more leverage over platform speech, it might restrict religious expression deemed harmful, even if the platforms themselves would allow it.
The Challenge of Non-Religious Moral Beliefs in the Workplace
Recent debates on employers firing employees for advocacy, such as anti-Israel views, highlight a critical question: Can an employee be dismissed for expressing deeply held moral or ethical beliefs? According to 29 CFR 1605.1, such beliefs, if held with the strength of traditional religious views, are protected unless they cause undue hardship.
Sixth Circuit Upholds Injunction Against Biden Administration Expansion of Title IX
The Sixth Circuit has upheld a preliminary injunction against the U.S. Department of Education’s (DOE) efforts to broaden the scope of Title IX protections to include discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.