Free Exercise Challenge To Hospital Closing Rejected By NY Court

St. Joseph Hospital of Cheektowaga, NY v Novello, (NY S.Ct., Erie Co., Feb. 2, 2007), a New York state trial court rejected a lengthy series of challenges by a Catholic hospital challenging the recommendation by the state's Commission on Healthcare Facilities in the 21st Century that the hospital be closed. Among otter claims, the court rejected the hospital's state and federal free exercise of religion claim. Plaintiffs had claimed unequal treatment in the amount of time they were given to meet with the Commission and that the closing prevented the hospital from practicing its religious ministry.