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.

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?

“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

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.