Suit Challenges Rules Of Michigan State Employees Combined Campaign

Yesterday, the Association of Faith Based Organizations filed suit in federal court against the Michigan State Employees Combined Campaign, challenging the exclusion of certain religious groups from Michigan’s program that allows state employees to voluntarily contribute through payroll deductions to participating charities. Under Michigan’s rules, in order to participate charitable groups may not discriminate on various grounds, including religion, in selecting members, employees and volunteers. The complaint (full text) alleges that this requirement prevents religious groups from limiting their hiring to members of their own faith, while secular groups can hire only employees who agree with their missions. The suit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief on the grounds that the requirements violate the First Amendment and Equal Protection rights of religious organizations. Alliance Defense Fund issued a release announcing the filing of the lawsuit. Similar suits have been filed in Wisconsin and Florida.