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.
Lemuel V. Sapian releases new book on America’s religious freedom divide
Very few things can be as divisive as religion. In free America, we are guaranteed freedom of religion. This has kept the United States a mighty nation, with its strength being derived from unity in diversity. However, many Christians believe America is a Christian Nation and should be upheld as such by civil laws. The public divide over this political issue is seen in the separation of people into diverse groups,
Supreme Court to decide whether RFRA permits monetary damages against federal employees
The Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) permits lawsuits seeking money damages against individual federal employees.
Ryan Snow’s new book explores how Congress passed the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act and why it matters
Attorney Ryan Snow has released a new book that is designed to bring non-lawyers up to date on the most important religious liberty debate facing America. Religious Freedom: What’s All the Freedom About recounts the history behind religious freedom laws, and includes an history of how Congress passed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, or RFRA, in 1993 – a feat hardly imaginable today.