Thursday, January 12, 2017

3rd Circuit: Church Welcome Sign Does Not Violate Establishment Clause

In Tearpock-Martini v. Shickshinny Borough, (3d Cir, Jan. 4, 2017), the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals rejected an Establishment Clause challenge to a church sign put up by a Pennsylvania town on a right-of-way near plaintiff's home.  The sign depicts a cross and a Bible and reads "Bible Baptist Church Welcomes You!", and has an arrow pointing toward the church.  The court concluded that plaintiff failed to show that the Borough treated the Church more favorably than others.