LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP) — A court decision in support of a Kentucky photographer who declines to shoot same-sex weddings is a victory for religious freedom, advocates for the First Amendment right said. In an Aug. 14 order, federal judge Justin Walker blocked the city of Louisville from enforcing a law against Chelsey Nelson that requires her to provide her services for a same-sex ceremony if she does so for a wedding between a man and a woman. Walker’s decision enables Nelson, a Christian, … [Read more...]
Silver lining appears for pro-lifers in court ruling
WASHINGTON (BP) — A silver lining has appeared for pro-life advocates in the U.S. Supreme Court’s otherwise disappointing decision in June regarding the protection of women who undergo abortions. The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis overturned Aug. 7 a federal judge’s ruling that had blocked enforcement of four pro-life laws in Arkansas. In doing so, the three-judge panel based its decision on a concurring opinion by Chief Justice John Roberts in the high court’s June 29 … [Read more...]
Religious access to state programs affirmed
WASHINGTON (BP) – The U.S. Supreme Court narrowly upheld June 30 a state tax credit scholarship program that includes religious schools, thereby maintaining its recent support of the right of faith groups to participate in government programs. The high court voted 5-4 to overturn a Montana Supreme Court decision that invalidated a state program that provides a tax credit of up to $150 for a donation to a Student Scholarship Organization (SSO). Contributions to SSOs finance scholarships … [Read more...]
Religious employment, insurance convictions protected
WASHINGTON (BP) – The U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed in two 7-2 rulings July 8 that churches and religious organizations are free to make employment and health insurance decisions based on their convictions. In one ruling, the justices reiterated their support for a “ministerial exception” that enables churches and other religious bodies to hire and fire based on their beliefs. They had ruled unanimously in 2012 in favor of such an exception. In consolidated cases, two Catholic schools in … [Read more...]
‘Grievously wrong’ – Court’s abortion ruling disappoints pro-life advocates
WASHINGTON (BP) – Pro-life leaders expressed deep disappointment with the U.S. Supreme Court’s refusal June 29 to uphold a Louisiana law designed to protect the lives and health of women by requiring hospital admitting privileges for doctors who perform abortions. In a 5-4 decision, the high court ruled the law – which mandated a physician must have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of a facility where he or she performs an abortion – violated the U.S. Constitution by … [Read more...]
High court affirms religious access to state programs
WASHINGTON (BP) – The U.S. Supreme Court narrowly upheld Tuesday (June 30) a state tax credit scholarship program that includes religious schools, thereby maintaining its recent support of the right of faith groups to participate in government programs. The high court voted 5-4 to overturn a Montana Supreme Court decision that invalidated a state program that provides a tax credit of up to $150 for a donation to a Student Scholarship Organization (SSO). Contributions to SSOs finance … [Read more...]
Supreme Court disappoints pro-lifers with abortion ruling
WASHINGTON (BP) – Pro-life leaders expressed deep disappointment with the U.S. Supreme Court's refusal June 29 to uphold a Louisiana law designed to protect the lives and health of women by requiring hospital admitting privileges for doctors who perform abortions. In a 5-4 decision, the high court ruled the law – which mandated a physician must have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of a facility where he or she performs an abortion – violated the U.S. Constitution by … [Read more...]
Missouri Senator urges civil rights probe of state limits on churches
WASHINGTON (BP) – A United States senator has called for a federal civil rights investigation of states that have continued during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to place strict limitations on religious gatherings while permitting massive protests of the police killing of George Floyd. Southern Baptist leaders, meanwhile, encouraged public officials to treat worship services the same as similar events while they loosen restrictions resulting from the pandemic. Sen. Josh Hawley, … [Read more...]
‘Biology is not bigotry’ – Supreme Court decision threatens ‘religious freedom, privacy, safety’
WASHINGTON (BP) – The U.S. Supreme Court left multiple questions regarding religious liberty unanswered but provided some hope in its landmark decision for gay and transgender rights, said advocates for the First Amendment freedom. In a 6-3 opinion, the high court ruled June 15 that the category "sex" in Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act encompasses "sexual orientation" and "gender identity," thereby providing non-discrimination protections for homosexual and transgender employees. … [Read more...]
Civil rights probe of state limits on churches urged
WASHINGTON (BP) — A United States senator has called for a federal civil rights investigation of states that have continued during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to place strict limitations on religious gatherings while permitting massive protests of the police killing of George Floyd. Southern Baptist leaders, meanwhile, encouraged public officials to treat worship services the same as similar events while they loosen restrictions resulting from the pandemic. Sen. Josh Hawley, … [Read more...]
SCOTUS delays arguments: religious liberty, abortion rulings await
WASHINGTON (BP) – The U.S. Supreme Court has paused part of its work in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) with decisions in important cases regarding religious liberty, sexuality and abortion still to be announced. The high court announced March 16 it has postponed oral arguments scheduled for March 23-25 and March 30-April 1 to abide by recommendations offered in response to the continuing spread of the coronavirus. The court said it would study the alternatives for rescheduling … [Read more...]
Kentucky high court rules for print shop owner
FRANKFORT, Ky. (BP) – Religious freedom advocates commended a Kentucky Supreme Court decision Oct. 31 in support of a business owner who declined to print T-shirts for a gay pride festival. The state high court ruled unanimously the Gay and Lesbian Services Organization (GLSO) did not have "statutory standing" under a local ordinance to bring the challenge against Hands On Originals, giving the Lexington shop and managing owner Blaine Adamson their third legal victory. Two lower courts … [Read more...]
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