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.
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?
Declaring the United States a “Christian Nation” does not make it one
Why attempt to change the Constitution to declare the United States is a Christian Nation is a pointless exercise – satire from the American Sentinel – 1886
California legislation seeks to prevent LGBT discrimination in higher education
The California legislature is considering two bills that would make it difficult for religious colleges and universities to discriminate on the basis of gender identity.
“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
Trump’s troubling evasion of basic religious liberty questions
Donald Trump evades questions about whether employers should have right to discriminate on basis of religion and the tax-exempt status of religious organizations.
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.
Moot: Federal judge dismisses ACLU suit to force Catholic hospitals to provide abortion services
Federal court rules ACLU lacks standing to sue Catholic hospitals that refuse to provide abortion and contraceptive services
Mississippi legislature passes law to weaponize churches
There are two distinct reactions to gun violence. One is to tighten gun regulations in an effort to get guns off the street. The other is to arm more people so they can kill would-be attackers. The Charleston, South Carolina, shooting at a church last year has provided the Mississippi legislature with a pretext to do the latter.
THE ARTS: Allegiance: A Tale for Today
By Bill Cork – The musical, “Allegiance” is based internment camp during World War II but the themes are echoed in the 2016 US presidential campaign.