Romney Delivers Major Speech On Role Of His Faith In Any Future Presidency

Fox News reports that Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney made an important speech this morning attempting to answer questions that have been raised about his Mormon religious beliefs and their impact on decisions he would make as President. The speech was delivered at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas, and Romney was introduced by the former president. The Wall Street Journal reprints the full text of Romney's speech. Here are some excerpts:

There are some who may feel that religion is not a matter to be seriously considered in the context of the weighty threats that face us. If so, they are at odds with the nation's founders.... Freedom requires religion just as religion requires freedom....

Let me assure you that no authorities of my church, or of any other church for that matter, will ever exert influence on presidential decisions. Their authority is theirs, within the province of church affairs, and it ends where the affairs of the nation begin....

There are some for whom these commitments are not enough. They would prefer it if I would simply distance myself from my religion, say that it is more a tradition than my personal conviction, or disavow one or another of its precepts. That I will not do. I believe in my Mormon faith and I endeavor to live by it. My faith is the faith of my fathers – I will be true to them and to my beliefs....

There is one fundamental question about which I often am asked. What do I believe about Jesus Christ? I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind. My church's beliefs about Christ may not all be the same as those of other faiths. Each religion has its own unique doctrines and history. These are not bases for criticism but rather a test of our tolerance....

There are some who would have a presidential candidate describe and explain his church's distinctive doctrines. To do so would enable the very religious test the founders prohibited in the Constitution. No candidate should become the spokesman for his faith. For if he becomes President he will need the prayers of the people of all faiths.

I believe that every faith I have encountered draws its adherents closer to God. And in every faith I have come to know, there are features I wish were in my own: I love the profound ceremony of the Catholic Mass, the approachability of God in the prayers of the Evangelicals, the tenderness of spirit among the Pentecostals, the confident independence of the Lutherans, the ancient traditions of the Jews, unchanged through the ages, and the commitment to frequent prayer of the Muslims....

It is important to recognize that while differences in theology exist between the churches in America, we share a common creed of moral convictions. And where the affairs of our nation are concerned, it's usually a sound rule to focus on the latter – on the great moral principles that urge us all on a common course....

We separate church and state affairs in this country, and for good reason. No religion should dictate to the state nor should the state interfere with the free practice of religion. But in recent years, the notion of the separation of church and state has been taken by some well beyond its original meaning. They seek to remove from the public domain any acknowledgment of God. Religion is seen as merely a private affair with no place in public life. It is as if they are intent on establishing a new religion in America – the religion of secularism. They are wrong.

The founders proscribed the establishment of a state religion, but they did not countenance the elimination of religion from the public square. We are a nation "Under God" and in God, we do indeed trust....

Perhaps the most important question to ask a person of faith who seeks a political office, is this: does he share these American values: the equality of human kind, the obligation to serve one another, and a steadfast commitment to liberty?...

I'm not sure that we fully appreciate the profound implications of our tradition of religious liberty.... The establishment of state religions in Europe did no favor to Europe's churches. And though you will find many people of strong faith there, the churches themselves seem to be withering away.

Infinitely worse is the other extreme, the creed of conversion by conquest: violent Jihad, murder as martyrdom... killing Christians, Jews, and Muslims with equal indifference. These radical Islamists do their preaching not by reason or example, but in the coercion of minds and the shedding of blood. We face no greater danger today than theocratic tyranny, and the boundless suffering these states and groups could inflict if given the chance.

Here is a video of Romney's full speech. [Thanks to Melissa Rogers for finding this link.] Meanwhile this morning's New York Times ran a front page article on one of Romney's challengers, Mike Huckabee, focusing in large part on Huckabee's experience as an evangelical pastor.

New Mexico Town's School Board Rescinds Science Policy; Evolution Proponents Win

The Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Public Schools Board of Education on Monday night rescinded a policy it had adopted two years ago that had been read to permit Creationism and Intelligent Design to be taught in science classes along with evolution. Today's Rio Rancho Observer reports that, by a 3-2 vote, the Board rescinded Science Policy 401. The change came after new board member Divyesh Patel was elected to replace former board member Kathy Jackson. Patel said that there is "overwhelming scientific evidence for evolution" and that alternate beliefs should be taught in other classes, not in science courses. Board member Don Schlichte who opposed the repeal said he did not believe evolution is a fact, and that 50% of the world's population does not believe in evolution.

Muslim Student Sues Over Forced Removal of Headscarf At Jail Booking

The ACLU of Southern California has filed suit on behalf of a Muslim Ph.D. student at Claremont Graduate University who was arrested-- but never charged-- when she was discovered to be riding a Los Angeles commuter train without a valid ticket. The AP reports that graduate student Jameelah Medina was forced by the San Bernadino County Sheriff's Department to remove her headscarf for booking at jail. She also says that while being driven to jail, she was intimidated by Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy Craig Roberts who called Islam an "evil" religion. Medina's lawyer, Hector Villagra, argues that if the federal prison system can allow female Muslim inmates to wear the headscarf while in custody, there is no reason that the San Bernadino sheriff's office cannot have the same policy.

Maryland Court Rejects Zoning Objections To Retreat Center for Jesuit College

The Maryland Daily Record summarizes an unreported opinion of the Maryland Court of Special Appeals issued yesterday holding that Loyola College in Maryland is entitled to a special zoning exception to build a religious retreat center in Baltimore County. A neighborhood group objected that the Center would damage the rural character of the area. The opinion in the case, Loyola College v. People's Counsel, (Docket No. 0558/06, Dec. 5, 2007), distinguished earlier precedent that would have required Loyola, a Jesuit school, to show its proposed development would have no greater impact than if located anywhere else in the R.C. 2 zone of Baltimore County.

Secular Group Puts Its Own Display In Wisconsin Capitol

In Madison, Wisconsin, the Freedom From Religion Foundation has apparently decided to purse the strategy of "if you can't beat them, join them". It has put up its own display sign in the state Capitol near the holiday tree and Menorah that are already there. FFRF's sign reads: "At this season of the Winter Solstice, may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world." The Badger reported yesterday that FFRF co-president Dan Barker offered to take down the sign if the other displays are also removed. Rep. Marlin Schneider who is seeking to rename the Capitol holiday tree and call it a Christmas tree (see prior posting) is not opposed to FFRF's sign. He said that FFRF has a constitutional right to display it.

Branson, MO Council Resolution Would Support "Ozark Mountain Christmas"

Despite concerns from the City Attorney about Establishment Clause problems, the Board of Aldermen of Branson, Missouri on Tuesday met and discussed a resolution declaring the city's support for the "Ozark Mountain Christmas". The Springfield (MO) News-Leader and Branson Daily News report on the push for tourism that is at the heart of the resolution. The resolution also urges local businesses to keep the word and spirit of "Christmas" in Christmas and to foster the history and heritage of the traditional American Christmas in Branson. Finally it encourages businesses and residents to display Christmas decorations in order to help visitors experience an old-fashioned Christmas. Alderman Stephen Marshall who proposed the resolution said that some businesses were not displaying Christmas lights. He said the resolution is not a religious statement, but is an attempt to promote an event for which Branson is known. City Attorney Paul Link will review the language of the resolution further before it is presented for final passage next Monday.

UPDATE: On Monday, Branson's Board of Aldermen unanimously approved an amended version of the resolution. The Springfield (MO) News-Leader reports that, as passed, the resolution expresses the board's "support of the celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas," but omits sections that urged local businesses and residents to display Christmas decorations and "keep the word and spirit of 'Christmas' in Christmas."

1st Circuit Hears Arguments In Challenge To Gay-Friendly Storybook In School

The U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday heard arguments in a case in which parents allege that their free exercise of religion rights were infringed when a Lexington, Massachusetts school teacher read the book King and King to a first-grade class without giving prior notice to parents so they could exclude their children from hearing it. The book, designed to promote understanding of gay couples, tells the story of two princes who marry. During argument in Parker v. Lexington, according to a report in Bay Windows yesterday, the attorney for parents David and Tonia Parker and Rob and Robin Wirthlin said his clients have strong religious convictions that only heterosexual couples should be allowed to marry. Seeking a reversal of the district court's decision, attorney Robert Sinsheimer argued that the parents' free exercise rights include the right to teach their faith to their children.

Minister Resists Sen. Grassley's Call For Information

One of the six televangelists asked by Sen. Charles Grassley to explain alleged financial excesses is resisting the request. (See prior posting.) The six ministers all preach a form of "prosperity gospel"-- a belief that God wants his followers to prosper materially. The AP reported yesterday that Atlanta minister Creflo Dollar of World Changers Church International wants Grassley to either refer the matter to the IRS or at least obtain a formal subpoena. Dollar's attorney Marcus Owens wrote Grassley arguing that an IRS referral would protect Dollar's privacy and create less Establishment Clause issues. Owens wrote that if an IRS referral is not made, at least Grassley should obtain a formal subpoena to create "an appropriate legal context" for the investigation. So far, only one of the six ministries-- Joyce Meyer Ministries of Fenton, Mo.-- has furnished the information Grassley seeks. Meanwhile today's Christian Science Monitor carries an article on concerns expressed by the National Religous Broadcasters and the Baptist Joint Committee over Grassley's requests. Tomorrow is the deadline imposed by Grassley for responses.

Georgia City Hall Becomes Site for Competing Religious Events

In Macon, Georgia, City Council chambers is apparently becoming a forum for religious competition. Last month, Mayor Jack Ellis hosted a feast to mark the end of Ramadan in the Chamber. But, according to today's Macon Telegraph, when Gordon Powers, minister of the Westside Baptist Church in Warner Robins, Georgia, heard about the Ramadan feast, he decided that Christians needed to be given the same access. So he scheduled a Christmas concert there for today. Powers explained that the Muslim event "just kept eating at me". He said that it is one thing to argue for the separation of church and state, but it is something else to practice the "separation of Christ and state." Two members of City Council expressed concern over the motives of Rev. Powers. Councilman James Timley said that the church's emphasis on responding to the Islamic event does not sound very "Christmassy".

German Official Seeks Ban On Scientology

In Germany, Hamburg's Interior Minister Udo Nagel is urging interior ministers from other states to join with him to impose a nationwide ban on Scientology. Germany considers Scientology a business, not a religion. The German Office for the Protection of the Constitution has been watching the group's recruitment practices, fearing that it is a foreign organization seeking to influence political elections. Scientology claims religious discrimination. Spiegel Online and AHN both cover these developments.

UPDATE: According to BBC News on Saturday, federal and state interior ministers have asked Germany's domestic intelligence agency to determine whether the Church of Scientology's legal status as an association can be challenged.

UPDATE: Der Spiegel reported on Monday that German intelligence agencies say there is not sufficient evidence to ban the Church of Scientology, finding that while the organization operates in ways that are hostile to the Germany's constitution, Scientology has not successfully infiltrated a broader population.

Church Sues New York Under RLUIPA After City Nixes Catering Lease

Park Avenue's Third Church of Christ, Scientist, yesterday filed a RLUIPA lawsuit against the City of New York after the city said it would revoke a permit that had been granted for a catering company to use of the church's building. The city's Building Department argues that the planned use under a 20-year lease would violate zoning regulations. Today's New York Times reports that the church, suffering declining membership, entered the arrangement under which the Rose Group catering company will take out movable pews when it uses the sanctuary for catered events. Under the agreement, the Rose Group has already spent $6.5 million on building repairs. The Preservation Coalition, representing neighbors, opposes the church's arrangement, saying the church has essentially turned its building over to the caterers for commercial use. Church officials however say the building will still be used primarily for religious purposes, with 400 to 500 hours per month of religious activities. It will be used only 60 hours per month for catering. The lawsuit alleges that the church is not being treated equally with non-religious institutions that are allowed to rent out their premises for social events.

President Issues Hanukkah Message

The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah began last night. On Monday, the White House issued the President's 2007 Hanukkah Message. Saying that "Hanukkah commemorates a victory for freedom and the courage and faith that made it possible," the President continued: "We pray that those who still live in the darkness of tyranny will someday see the light of freedom...."

AU Asks IRS To Investigate Endorsement of Huckabee By Falwell

Americans United for Separation of Church and State announced yesterday that it has asked the Internal Revenue Service to investigate an endorsement of Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee by Liberty University Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. AU says that an e-mail Liberty News Alert violated the limitations imposed on tax exempt non-profit organizations. After inviting Huckabee to speak at a Liberty University convocation, Falwell used University resources to send out the alert which said in part: "I was so impressed with the Governor’s sincerity and his positions on the issues that are important to conservative Christians that I personally endorsed Governor Huckabee before he left Lynchburg."

British Court Finds Opera Was Not Blasphemous

In Britain, two High Court judges ruled that Jerry Springer The Opera did not violate Britain's blasphemy laws. The Plymouth Herald today reports on the decision in the suit brought by the group Christian Voice. The court upheld a lower court's refusal to issue a summons against the director-general of BBC2 who permitted the opera to be shown in 2005. The High Court concluded that the play "as a whole was not and could not reasonably be regarded as aimed at, or an attack on, Christianity or what Christians held sacred." (See prior related posting.)

Preliminary Injunction Permits Menorah Lighting To Proceed

In Poughkeepsie, New York last night, a Chabad group lit a large menorah to mark the beginning of Hanukkah. Today's Poughkeepsie Journal reports that the menorah was at the same street corner where it has been placed for the last 15 years. In order to avoid church-state concerns, city officials wanted the menorah moved to a nearby municipal location where it would join holiday symbols of other religious groups. However, Rabbi Yacov Borenstein went to court and obtained a preliminary injunction ordering city workers to set up the menorah at its traditional location. Apparently the state trial court's decision was based on the city's failure to advise Chabad of the proposed move until after thousands of invitations had been sent out for the lighting at its traditional spot. The judge's decision did not deal with the broader constitutional issues. Those will be the subject of a hearing in January and will determine the menorah's location for future years. (AP).

9th Circuit Hears Arguments In Pledge and Motto Cases

Yesterday the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in two cases brought by Sacramento attorney and doctor Michael Newdow--one challenging the inclusion of the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance and the other challenging the use of the motto "In God we Trust" on coins and currency. (See prior related posting.) The AP reports that in the pledge case, Terence Cassidy, a lawyer for the school district, argued that reciting the pledge is merely a "patriotic exercise". Newdow, urging equal respect for atheists, responded that the anger people demonstrate when it is proposed that the phrase be removed demonstrates its religious significance. Becket Fund president Kevin "Seamus" Hasson, arguing on behalf of school children supporting recitation of the Pledge, argued that "under God" has been used in American history to protect "God-given rights" that are not subject to government infringement. (Becket Fund release.) In the motto case, Justice Department lawyer Lowell Sturgill Jr. argued that "In God We Trust" is just a patriotic or ceremonial message. (See prior related posting.)

8th Circuit Finds State Funding of Faith-Based Prison Program Unconstitutional

Yesterday in Americans United for Separation of Church and State v. Prison Fellowship Ministries, Inc., (8th Cir., Dec. 3, 2007), the U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals held that a faith-based inmate rehabilitation program operated in an Iowa prison by InnerChange violates the Establishment Clause. The 3-judge panel included retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

Even though inmate entry into the InnerChange program was voluntary and state funds were used only to pay for non-religious aspects of the program, the court held that direct payments to InnerChange for the years 2002-04 funded religious indoctrination in violation of the Establishment Clause of the U.S. and Iowa constitutions. It also found an Establishment Clause problem because participation in InnerChange was available only to inmates professing Christian beliefs. In 2005-07, funding changed from cost reimbursement to a per diem payment. The court held that this did not convert the program into one of permissible indirect aid. The court also rejected defendant's reliance on Turner v. Safley, a Supreme Court case which in the court's view applies to free exercise, but not to establishment clause, challenges in prison settings.

The court however reversed the district court's order that InnerChange repay funds it received from the state for periods before the trial court found the program unconstitutional. The court also emphasized that the district court injunction it was affirming applied to InnerChange only so long as it received government funding for operating the Iowa program.

Both sides have claimed victory in the Court of Appeals. Americans United issued a release praising the ruling, saying it is a major setback for the White House's faith-based initiative. Meanwhile, InnerChange issued its own release, saying that since InnerChange now operates in Iowa without state funding, the 8th Circuit's ruling effectively permits it to continue and reverses the trial court's order for it to repay $1.5 million it previously received in state funds.Yesterday's Des Moines Register covers the decision. (See prior related postings.)

Talk Show Host Sues Muslim Group For Copyright Infringement

Conservative radio talk-show host Michael Savage yesterday filed a copyright infringement suit against the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). AP reports that the suit, filed in federal court in San Francisco, challenges the use of audio excerpts from one of Savage's radio shows on CAIR's website. Portions of a Savage monologue were pieced together. They include Savage calling the Qur'an a "book of hate." The excerpts were used in a campaign to get advertisers to withdraw from sponsorship of Savage's show. Savage says that, in context, he was talking about Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's radical form of Islam, and not about the religion more generally.

Cert. Denied In Removal of Cross From LA County Seal

Yesterday the U.S. Supreme Court denied certiorari in Vasquez v. Los Angeles County, (Docket No. 07-427) (Order List). In the case, the 9th Circuit rejected an Establishment Clause challenge to a change made to the seal of Los Angeles County. The county removed a small cross from the seal and replaced it with a picture of a historic mission. (See prior posting.) Today's Los Angeles Times reports on the Supreme Court's order in a story that carries illustrations of the old and new seal. County Supervisor Mike Antonovich says he still hopes to find enough votes on the Board of Supervisors to bring back the old seal.

Israeli Rabbinic Court Decision Increases Tension Over Civil-Religious Jurisdiction

Last week, according to Friday's Jerusalem Post, a decision by Israel's High Rabbinic Court created new tension over the respective jurisdiction of civil and religious tribunals. A divorce case in Israel can be filed in either a civil or religious court if the case also involves financial issues, and the court in which the matter is first filed has jurisdiction. In the case decided last week, the wife filed in civil court 15 minutes before her husband filed in a rabbinic court. The High Rabbinic Court ruled that the few minutes were irrelevant, and that when filings are essentially simultaneous, rabbinic courts have jurisdiction because of their special role as the prime arbiter in divorce cases. In recent years, Israel's Supreme Court has cut down the jurisdiction of rabbinic courts, holding that once the divorce proceeding is over, rabbinic courts cannot adjudicate financial issues that arise between the parties later. (See prior posting.) In last week's decision, the High Rabbinic Court ruled, however, that as to monetary issues that are part of a divorce proceeding, religious courts have primary jurisdiction. It said that civil courts have only secondary or residual jurisdiction. [Thanks to Joel Katz of the lead.]

Preliminary Injunction Protects Preacher From Disturbing-the-Peace Arrests

In Netherland v. City of Zachary, Louisiana, (MD LA, Nov. 30, 2007), a Louisiana federal district court issued a preliminary injunction against the enforcement of a city's disturbing-the- peace ordinance. The suit was brought by John Netherland, a Christian who found faith while battling alcoholism. Netherland was threatened with arrest by police for preaching loudly at local bar patrons from a public area next to the bar's parking lot. The court held that in their application of the ordinance, which bans offensive and annoying words, police were imposing a content-based restriction on speech in a traditional public forum. The court concluded that the ordinance is vague and overbroad, and infringes Netherland's right to free speech and free exercise of religion. Bar patrons' interest in being let alone did not justify the restriction on Netherland's speech. Alliance Defense Fund yesterday issued a release supporting the court's decision. (See prior related posting.)

Judge Asks For Briefs On Use of Religion In Picking Jurors

Today's New York Sun reports that a New York federal district judge has asked lawyers to submit briefs on the propriety, in an upcoming criminal trial, of either side disqualifying jurors because of their "obvious" Jewish or Arab names. Lobbyists Steven Rosen and Keith Weissman, former employees of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, are charged with passing on classified information to journalists and Israeli officials. The U.S. Supreme Court has clearly prohibited excluding jurors on the basis of race or gender, but has not clarified whether this applies to religion as well. In another twist, defense attorneys are particularly interested in questioning potential jurors about their religion, ethnicity and political party affiliation, possibly in order to retain Jewish and evangelical Christian jurors-- individuals who are likely to be pro-Israel. Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz argues that retaining, as opposed to striking, jurors on this basis is not a problem.

Heated Controversy Over Portrait of Militant Sikh Leader Erupts In India

In the Indian state of Punjab, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Rajinder kaur Bhattal has demanded removal of a controversial portrait of a Sikh militant leader being installed in the Sikh museum of the Golden Temple in the holy city of Amristar. (Punjab News, 12/3). Today's Punjab News reports that the controversy involves a portrait of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindrenwala who headed the Damdami Taksal in 1983-84, a period in which the group spearheaded terrorist attacks. In Operation Blue Star in June 1984, then Prime Minister Indra Gandhi sent the Army to flush out militants hiding the Golden Temple. Hundreds died in the resulting operation. Baba Harnam Singh Dhuma, current head Damdami Taksal, said the criticism of the installation of the portrait amounts to interference in the internal affairs of Sikhs and, if continued, would disturb the peaceful situation in Punjab.

Church Property Disputes Looming In Pennsylvania

Yesterday's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette carries an excellent background article on the legal issues that will be faced by state courts as several Episcopal and Presbyterian congregations in western Pennsylvania threaten to break away from their parent bodies. The resulting disputes over ownership of church property likely will be decided using neutral principles of property law. The controlling decision in Pennsylvania is In re: Church of St. James the Less, (PA Sup. Ct., Dec. 29, 2005) [majority opinion, concurring opinion]. It indicates that many of the cases may turn on the validity and interpretation of trust clauses in church documents.

Holiday Display Disputes Appear Muted This Year

With three weeks to go, so far this year the "Christmas wars" over municipal holiday displays seem somewhat muted. In Ft. Collins, Colorado, City Council voted 6-1 to permit colored lights and Christmas trees and wreaths on the exterior of city buildings and other city property, but only secular displays and messages inside buildings. It rejected a proposal by a broad-based task force that only white lights, bare garlands and secular symbols such as snowflakes be hung on city property beginning next year. (Tacoma, WA News Tribune, 12/1). On Saturday in Ft. Collins, about 200 people gathered to support Sheriff Jim Alderden who wants to keep religious symbols. Yesterday's Loveland (CO) Reprter-Herald says that the event focused on decorating a 10-foot tall planted Christmas tree. A small Nativity scene and a Menorah were also put on display, all paid for by donated funds. Sheriff Alderen commented: "A sheriff puts up a Christmas tree. Why is that a national news story?"

Meanwhile in Cranston, Rhode Island, backing away from past high profile controversies over religious symbols, new mayor Michael T. Napolitano has opted to merely put up 50,000 white lights and a Christmas tree in the foyer of City Hall. In past years, the City Hall display-- which led to litigation-- included a life-sized nativity scene, a menorah, an inflatable snowman, and 15 flamingos in Santa Claus hats representing the "Church of the Flamingos". (ACLU Release, 2003). (See prior related posting.) Local ACLU director, Steven Brown, said that Napolitano "is doing more to respect religion than the politicians who try to turn Christmas into a political issue."

Sudan's President Pardons British Teacher Convicted of Insulting Islam

Sudan's president Omar al-Bashir has granted a pardon to British teacher Gillian Gibbons who had been sentenced to 15 days in jail for insulting Islam. (See prior posting.) Today's Times of London reports that Gibbons could be on a plane to Britain within a day, after serving 4 days of her sentence. The release came after lengthy talks between al-Bashir and two Muslim members of Britain's House of Lords, Lord Nazir Ahmed and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi. (AFP). The teacher had been serving her sentence in a bungalow in the suburbs of Khartoum usually reserved for high-ranking opposition leaders who are under arrest. Her lawyers had feared she would be held at the overcrowded Omdurman Women’s Prison.

Romney To Deliver Speech On His Religious Beliefs and the Presidency

The New York Times reports that on Thursday Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney will deliver a major speech addressing questions about his Mormon religious beliefs. Scheduled for the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas, the address will be titled "Faith In America". His campaign says that Romney will "share his views on religious liberty, the grand tradition religious tolerance has played in the progress of our nation and how the governor's own faith would inform his presidency if he were elected." At ABC News, Jake Tapper writes a long analyisis of Romney's plans in a piece titled Will 'Pulling a JFK' Be Enough for Romney?

Op-Ed Explores School Board's Rule On Sacred Music In Choir Concerts

An always-difficult subject under the Establishment Clause is the extent to which school choir concerts may contain sacred music. An interesting op-ed in yesterday's Livingston (MI) Daily Press & Argus explores the Howell (MI) Public Schools' attempt to deal with the issue. Last year, the Howell Public Schools Board faced extensive criticism when it imposed on a visiting German choir its policy that concerts should contain no more than 30% sacred music. (See prior posting.) So this year the Board raised the allowable amount of religious music to 50%. The paper asks how this is to be computed:

Is it the number of songs, sacred versus secular? Or time — would one six-minute secular song be worth two three-minute sacred songs? Or, since the musical notes themselves are neither sacred nor secular, is it just the lyrics? Do we have to count lines within each song?

Equally unclear is exactly to whom the policy would apply. School board members seem to think the policy would not apply to outside groups that rent a room in a Howell school building for an event. Administrators seem to think it would....

[The Constitution] says public schools can't promote one religion over another.... [W]hy can't the Howell school board come up with a policy that says that, and goes no further so that it avoids creating needless controversies where there really is no controversy?

Private Enforcers of Islamic Law Appear In Cairo

Yesterday's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that in Egypt, self-appointed morality squads are becoming common on streets, at workplaces, in subways and at the airport in Cairo. Unlike the official policers of Islamic law in Saudi Arabia and Iran, in Egypt the policing effort is undertaken by private individuals, encouraged by television preachers and Saudi-inspired religious instruction in mosques. The most common targets are women who do not have their hair covered. But men who are dating, who are not observing prayer times, or who permit their wives or sisters to wear revealing clothes have also been lectured.

Recent Publications on Law, Religion and Society

From SSRN:

• Shraddha Veeranna Chigateri, Glory to the Cow: Cultural Difference and Social Justice in the Food Hierarchy in India, (South Asia, Vol. 31, No. 1, April 2008).
  

From SmartCILP and elsewhere:

• Alex Geisinger & Ivan E. Bodensteiner, An Expressive Jurisprudence of the Establishment Clause, 112 Penn State Law Review 77-136 (2007).
• Antony Barone Kolenc, "Mr. Scalia's Neighborhood": A Home for Minority Religions?, 81 St. John's Law Review 819-880 (2007).
• Douglas G. Smith, "Equal Access"?: Faith Center Church Evangelistic Ministries v. Glover and the Use of Public Facilities for Religious Worship, 8 Engage 142-144 (Oct. 2007).

New Book:

• Robin Judd, Contested Rituals: Circumcision, Kosher Butchering and Jewish Political Life in Germany, 1843-1933, (Cornell University Press, August 2007), reviewed in The Forward.

NJ Mosque Developers Lose Attempt To Add Count To Complaint

In a challenge to Wayne Township, New Jersey's attempted exercise of eminent domain, a federal court refused to permit developers of a mosque to add an additional count to their complaint. The Township is attempting to take the mosque's property as part of an Open Space Plan. (See prior posting.) In Albanian Associated Fund & Imam Arun Polozani v. Township of Wayne, 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 87666 (D NJ, Nov. 29, 2007), the court rejected an amendment alleging that the planning board's decision was arbitrary and capricious. The court held that insofar as the claim is brought under state law, it should be decided in state court. Insofar as it is based on federal substantive due process grounds, the complaint does not give sufficient notice of the basis of the claim. The court however did grant plaintiffs' motion to supplement their complaint in connection with eight other counts.

Texas Schools Science Director Fired Over Apparent Opposition To Intelligent Design

The director of science curriculum at the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has been forced to resign after she forwarded to a number of people an e-mail announcing a presentation by an author who is critical of intelligent design proponents. The AP reported on Friday that Chris Comer, who has held her position for nine years, says that evolution politics led to her firing. The TEA says that Comer's action implies that it endorses the speaker's position on a subject on which the agency must remain neutral. Her action also violated a directive that she not communicate with anyone outside the TEA about the agency's review of the Texas science curriculum scheduled for next year.

British Accounting Body Will Offer Certificate In Islamic Finance

Britain's Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) will become the first the first accountancy body in the UK to offer its members training in Islamic financial law. The Scotsman today reports that a self-study program leading to a Certificate in Islamic Finance was developed by CIMA in consultation with Sharia law experts and the International Institute of Islamic Finance. The course covers Islamic commercial law; Islamic banking and Takaful; Islamic capital markets and instruments; and accounting and analysis of Islamic financial institutions.

Alberta Panel Finds Anti-Gay Letter Violated Human Rights Law

In Lund v. Boissoin, (AB Human Rts. Panel, Nov. 30, 2007), a panel appointed by the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission held that a letter published in the Red Deer Advocate violates the anti-discrimination provisions of Alberta's Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Act (HRCMA). The case originated out of a letter written to the Canadian newspaper by Stephen Boissoin, executive director of the Concerned Christian Coalition (now Concerned Christians Canada, Inc.). The letter was titled "Homosexual Agenda Wicked".

The complaint, filed by a Red Deer high school teacher, alleged that the letter crossed the line of free speech and incited hatred against homosexuals in violation of Sec. 3 of the HRCMA. In an 80-page decision, the Panel held it had jurisdiction over the case because of the relationship of the letter to the province's educational system and its circumstantial connection to the beating of a gay teenager in Red Deer less than two weeks following its publication. The panel concluded that Boissoin's letter expressed hatred or contempt for a group of persons on the basis of their sexual preference, and made it more acceptable to others to manifest hatred against homosexuals. The panel rejected the argument that Boissoin's freedom of religion and expression are defenses to the discrimination charge. Friday's Canadian Press reported on the decision.

Meanwhile, according to the Canadian Press, on Saturday the Executive Committee of the Conservative Party of Alberta refused to endorse the nomination of Concerned Christian Coalition leader Craig Chandler for election to the province's legislative assembly from Calgary-Egmont. Apparently the refusal was related to the Boissoin letter.

India's High Court Postpones Ruling on Rights of Christian and Muslim Dalits

The Supreme Court of India has postponed ruling on whether lower-caste Dalits who have converted to Christianity or Islam are entitled to the same preferential rights as those who remain Hindus, or who have converted to become Sikhs or Buddhists. Christian Today reported on Saturday that the delay came after the government told the court that it had still not received a report on the matter from the National Commission for Scheduled Castes. In May, a panel headed by former Chief Justice Ranganath Misra recommended that converts to Christianity and Islam be given the same special privileges as other Dalits, but the Commission has not yet accepted the recommendations.

Recently Available Prisoner Free Exercise Cases

In Nelis v. Kingston, 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 86036 (ED WI, Nov. 20, 2007), a Wisconsin federal district court held that a prison rule making inmates on voluntary unassigned status ineligible for certain activities, including ancillary religious activities, violates neither the First Amendment nor RLUIPA. The suit was brought by a Native American inmate who was precluded from attending pipe and drum ceremonies under this rule, but could still practice his religion in other ways.

In Floody v. Wagner, 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 86295 (D SD, Nov. 21, 2007), a South Dakota federal district judge permitted an inmate who was an candidate for conversion to Judaism to proceed on his claim for damages against prison officials who suspended his kosher diet after he bought a non-kosher item at the prison commissary. Subsequently the prison system changed it rules precluding removal from a religious diet as a sanction, making plaintiff's claims for declaratory and injunctive relief moot.

In Rogers v. Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 86607 (D AZ, Nov. 15, 2007), an Arizona federal district court dismissed (with leave to file an amended complaint) a series of allegations, including a free exercise claim, by a prisoner for violations while she was a pre-trial detainee. Plaintiff claimed that rules calling for discontinuation of her medication if she was not in her cell during medical call precluded her from attending religious services.

In Raper v. Adams, 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 87048 (ED NC, March 28, 2007), a North Carolina federal district court dismissed an inmate's First Amendment claims challenging prison rules that banned inmates' reading tarot cards for other inmates. It also rejected an equal protection claim complaining that plaintiff was required to use a cell that doubled as a restroom, rather than the day room, to practice his religion.

In Joseph v. Ware, 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 87459 (WD LA, Oct. 22, 2007), a Louisiana federal magistrate judge recommended dismissal of a Muslim inmate's First Amendment claim based on failure of prison employees on one occasion to provide him a pork-free meal.

Religious Sign In Police Cruiser Raises Church-State Questions

Today's Greensboro (NC) News-Record reports that a sign posted in a police cruiser has raised a new church-state issue. Driver M. Reza Salami (a professor at North Carolina A&T) was stopped by police at a checkpoint last week and was told to sit in the back seat of a Guilford County Sheriff's cruiser by Sheriff's Deputy M. Osborne. In the cruiser, between the front and back seats, was posted a sign reading "Jesus is your savior". The deputy's supervisor argues that the sign was permissible because it was an expression of the deputy's beliefs, and Sheriff B.J. Barnes favors deputies being able to display anything that gives them comfort during their dangerous 12-hour shifts. Constitutional law expert Erwin Chemerinsky said that it is impermissible to promote religion in this way in a police car used for official county business.

Religious Traditions Include Holiday Gambling

The Boston Globe's Rich Barlow writes an interesting column today on the history of gambling traditions in Judaism and Christianity-- as the Massachusetts legislature prepares to debate casino gambling. A number of religious leaders oppose the casino gambling bill. In Judaism, Hanukkah includes gambling-- children playing dreidel, and adults playing a card game known as kvitlech. In the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church encouraged gambling on holy days. Boston College professor Dwayne Carpenter outlined the ambivalent views of religious authorities toward gambling, saying that they often saw it as a way to "add to the merriment of an already joyous occasion." He said that Hanukkah card-playing once served as a cover for banned Torah study.

British Muslim Coalition Proposes New Moderate Guidelines For Mosques

In Britain on Thursday, moderate Muslim leaders through the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Body (MINAB) issued a proposed 10-point Code of Conduct for mosques in the country. Yesterday's New York Times reports that among the new proposals are ones for stricter screening of imams and other religious leaders (including a criminal background check); a commitment to "open, democratic, accountable management" of mosques; a call for the creation of "women's committees" at mosques; and a commitment to participation in interfaith activities. MINAB-- created by four national Muslim organizations-- grew out of a recommendation by a government task force on extremism that was formed after the "7/7" bombings in London in 2005. (BBC News.) [Thanks to Melissa Rogers for the lead.]

OSCE Publishes Guide On Teaching About Religions In Schools

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe this week issued a lengthy guide on preparing curricula for teaching about religions and beliefs. A press release issued by the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights says that the guidelines are "designed to assist educators, legislators, teachers and officials in education ministries and in private or religious schools to ensure that teaching about different religions and beliefs is carried out in a fair and balanced manner." The 134-page document, Toledo Guiding Principles on Teaching About Religions and Beliefs in Public Schools, is drafted on the premise that "although a deeper understanding of religions will not automatically lead to greater tolerance and respect, ignorance increases the likelihood of misunderstanding, stereotyping, and conflict." [Thanks to Rafael Palomino for the lead.]

WV Proposes Promise Scholarship Holders Can Take Religious Service Leave

Reacting to a lawsuit filed against it in July, West Virginia's Higher Education Policy Commission on Friday issued proposed amendments to change the state's Promise Scholarship leave of absence policy. In the suit, a Mormon student at the University of West Virginia charged the Promise scholarship board with religious discrimination because it refused to allow him to take a leave to serve a two-year church mission without losing his scholarship. (See prior posting.) The Charleston (WV) Saturday Gazette-Mail reports that under the new proposals, students will be permitted to take a leave of absence for military duty, programs related to the student’s study, service, study abroad, volunteerism, extreme financial hardships and extraordinary circumstances beyond the student’s control. After a 30-day public comment period, the proposed rule amendments go to the legislature for final approval.

Pope Issues Encyclical "In Hope We Were Saved"

On Friday, Pope Benedict XVI issued the second encyclical of his papacy, titled Spe Salvi Facti Sumus (In Hope We Were Saved). Today's New York Times says that the document "weaves a complex but elegant argument for the necessity of hope, drawing deeply on history, philosophy and theology." Here are some excerpts on the relationship of hope to the structuring of society:

[E]very generation has the task of engaging anew in the arduous search for the right way to order human affairs; this task is never simply completed. Yet every generation must also make its own contribution to establishing convincing structures of freedom and of good, which can help the following generation as a guideline for the proper use of human freedom.... [M]odern Christianity, faced with the successes of science in progressively structuring the world, has to a large extent restricted its attention to the individual and his salvation. In so doing it has limited the horizon of its hope and has failed to recognize sufficiently the greatness of its task—even if it has continued to achieve great things in the formation of man and in care for the weak and the suffering....

All serious and upright human conduct is hope in action.... [W]e work towards a brighter and more humane world so as to open doors into the future. Yet our daily efforts in pursuing our own lives and in working for the world's future either tire us or turn into fanaticism, unless we are enlightened by the radiance of the great hope that cannot be destroyed even by small-scale failures or by a breakdown in matters of historic importance. If we cannot hope for more than is effectively attainable at any given time, or more than is promised by political or economic authorities, our lives will soon be without hope....

To protest against God in the name of justice is not helpful. A world without God is a world without hope.... Only God can create justice. And faith gives us the certainty that he does so. The image of the Last Judgement is not primarily an image of terror, but an image of hope; for us it may even be the decisive image of hope....

Detroit Judge Finds Religious Freedom Violation By Faith-Based Drug Program

A Detroit (MI) federal district judge ruled on Friday that that the religious freedom rights of plaintiff Joseph Hanas were violated when a drug treatment program in which a state court placed him attempted to convert him from his Catholic Faith to the Pentecostal faith of those running the Inner City Christian Outreach Center. (See prior related posting.) Today's Detroit Free Press reports that until the judge issues a written decision, it is unclear whether the court also held against a court caseworker and a court volunteer who failed to take Hanas out of the program when they learned of its coercive tactics. Hanas eventually received treatment in a non-religious program, but the state court has not expunged from his record the jail time which he served when he refused to complete the Pentecostal program to which he was originally assigned. The federal lawsuit was filed only after litigation in state court, including an unsuccessful petition for certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court (Docket No. 04-1461), failed to obtain relief for Hanas. (See prior related posting.)

Nigeria Implements Sharia In Moderate and Modern Form

Today's New York Times carried a front-page article titled Nigeria Turns From Harsher Side of Islamic Law. It reports that Islamic law, adopted in several northern Nigerian states, has been implemented in a way that creates "a distinctively Nigerian compromise between the dictates of faith and the chaotic realities of modern life...." The federal government has limited the power of the religious police-- the Hisbah. A state official in Kano says, "Our approach is a humane Shariah, not a punitive Shariah." Leaders in various states emphasize Islamic tenets on charity, women’s rights and the duty to keep their environment clean. [Thanks to Matthew Caplan for the leaad.]

Hidden Church-State Issue In Debate Over College Accreditors

The Nov. 30 issue of the Chronicle of Higher Education carries an article on the tightening of college accreditation standards by the U.S. Department of Education. In order for a school's students to be eligible for government-subsidized financial aid, the school must be accredited by an accrediting body that is in turn recognized by the Department of Education. (Background on criteria.) A body called the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) advises the Secretary of Education on which accrediting agencies should be recognized. Since Margaret Spellings became Secretary of Education in 2004, NACIQI has pressured accrediting agencies to require schools to improve criteria for measuring student achievement. NACIQI began by questioning some of the smaller accrediting agencies. One of the accrediting bodies which NACIQI has refused to endorse for full, unconditional renewal without further evidence of standards for student-performance assessment is the Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools. While no one appears to have raised any church-state issues about the process, the developments do suggest a question of the extent to which the federal government can prescribe measures of achievement for religious schools. Provisions in pending Higher Education Amendments (S 1642, Sec 491) embody changes that would tailor criteria to different missions of each institution. [Corrected].

Huckabee Discusses Role of Religion In Campaign and Government

MNBC yesterday posted a transcript of an interview with Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee. The former Arkansas governor answers questions from Chris Matthews on the role of religion in his campaign and in his official decision making. Matthews particularly focused on a Huckabee campaign ad that bills him as a "Christian leader". Here is an excerpt:

MATTHEWS: ... What I’m trying to figure out here why is it relevant to run as a Christian leader, if, when I give you particular cases of life and death, perhaps war, you resort to the secular role, which is probably more appropriate to a politician?

HUCKABEE: Well, because, Chris, frankly, there are times when the Christian Gospel does very much apply — inasmuch as you've done it to the least of these, my brethren. When 75,000 evacuees came to my state from Hurricane Katrina, it was my Christian faith that said we’re not going to wait until paperwork is done to take care of these people.

Russian Officials Have Delayed Molokan Prayer House For Over 10 Years

Forum 18 yesterday reported on the difficulties that the Molokan community in Russia is having in obtaining land in Moscow to build a prayer house. The group has been attempting since December 1996 to get governmental officials to approve a site for their building. Officials have cited opposition of residents near proposed sites, among other reasons, for the delay. Russia's Ombudsman for Human Rights, however, says that the delay is "scandalous".

Kansas Supreme Court Refuses To Halt Voter-Initiated Grand Jury

Yesterday in Tiller v. Corrigan, (KS Sup. Ct., Nov. 29, 2007), the Kansas Supreme Court lifted its previously-granted temporary stay of grand jury proceedings convened to investigate whether Wichita abortion provider George Tiller violated Kansas law by performing late-term abortions. The grand jury was empaneled, at the behest of a coalition of anti-abortion groups, under an unusual Kansas statute that allows a grand jury to be convened upon petition of just over 2% of a county's voters. (See prior posting.) Tiller sought a writ of mandamus from the state Supreme Court to halt the proceedings, claiming they amount to harassment. Without further explanation, the Supreme Court said that "petitioner has not established entitlement to the relief sought...." In a release posted on its website, Operation Rescue hailed the decision as "a victory for the rule of law, for the people of Kansas, and for the late-term pre-born babies that laws have been enacted to protect."

UPDATE: The Kansas City Star reported on Thursday that because of this decision, no appeal will be filed to challenge empaneling of a similar grand jury in Johnson County to investigate Planned Parenthood's activities there.

Canada's High Court Will Review Case On Religious Exemption From License Photos

The Supreme Court of Canada yesterday agreed that it would hear an appeal in Province of Alberta v. Hutterian Brethren of Wilson Colony, a case raising the question of whether Alberta can refuse to issue drivers' licenses to Hutterites who refuse on religious grounds to have their photographs on their licenses. In May, a lower court held that the refusal violated the Hutterites freedom of religion protected by Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms. (See prior posting.) Today's Alberta Sun reports on the Supreme Court's action, quoting provincial officials who emphasize the security concerns that led to requiring photos.

Court Rejects Free Exercise Challenge to Wrongful Conviction Recovery Limits

North Carolina law (N.C. Gen Stat. Sec. 148-82) provides that a person who was convicted of a felony and then granted a pardon of innocence by the governor may bring a claim against the state for the pecuniary loss suffered by reason of the person's erroneous conviction and imprisonment. In Ross v. State of North Carolina, 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 87067 (ED NC, Feb. 1, 2007)-- a case decided some months ago but just recently made available on LEXIS-- a North Carolina federal district court rejected a claim that conditioning compensation on the receipt of a pardon violates the Free Exercise clause.

Convicted murderer Daniel Ross had his conviction overturned because of faulty instructions to the jury on burden of proof. The state decided not to retry him. Ross then sought compensation for his wrongful imprisonment, but was denied it because he had not received a gubernatorial pardon. Ross then brought suit, alleging among other things, that conditioning the availability of damages on receipt of a gubernatorial pardon requires him to violate "a cardinal principle of his religious faith". He says he believes that "only the Almighty God . . . is responsible for granting grace or mercy as a covenant to His heirs." The court also rejected Ross' equal protection and 8th and 13th Amendment challenges.

Court Rejects Daughter's Relgious Objections To Autopsy On Father

Thomas Arthur is on death row in Alabama. Originally his execution was scheduled for September. At that time, his daughter brought a federal lawsuit seeking to prevent an autopsy from being performed on his body after his death. The court denied the daughter's motion for a temporary injunction. (See prior posting.) Subsequently the Governor of Alabama granted a 45-day stay of execution for Arthur, while Alabama changed its lethal injection protocol. After additional legal challenges, Arthur's execution date is now set for December 6. (AP). Earlier this week, in Stone v. Allen, 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 87132 (SD AL, Nov. 27, 2007), an Alabama federal district court granted defendants' motion to dismiss the suit seeking to prevent an autopsy on Arthur. The court held that there is no legal support for the claim that Arthur's daughter has a constitutional right to block an autopsy on her father merely because it conflicts with her religious beliefs.

Judge Says 14-Year Old Can Refuse Transfusion; Boy Dies

In Seattle, Washington on Wednesday, Skagit County Superior Court Judge John Meyer ruled that a 14-year old boy was mature enough to decide to refuse a blood transfusion on religious grounds. A few hours later, Dennis Lindberg, a Jehovah's Witness who suffered from leukemia, died. The AP reports that doctors believed there was a 70% chance that a transfusion which would permit additional chemotherapy could have led to survival for five years. Lindberg's aunt had custody of him, and Lindberg's birth parents, who attended the hearing, believe that the boy was unduly influenced by his Jehovah's Witness aunt in making his decision. However they did not appeal after doctors said the boy had already likely suffered brain damage.

Free Exercise Challenge To Administration of Maine's Welfare Laws Rejected

In Lightfootlane v. Maine Department of Human Services, (D ME, Nov. 26, 2007), a Maine federal district judge accepted the recommendations of a federal magistrate judge to dismiss a challenge to Maine's administration of its General Assistance program. The court held that plaintiff, who operates a statewide Homeless Crisis Hotline, lacks standing to bring her challenge. It also rejected her claim that her free exercise of religion was infringed when the state's misapplication of law caused her to have to work harder to help her clients. The magistrate found unconvincing plaintiff's argument that "It is a religious doctrine of most religions 'to do good works'. Not merely to 'attempt' to do good works."

Spokane Police Chaplaincy Changes Insignia In Response To Lawsuit

Responding to a lawsuit filed last year, Spokane Washington's police department is changing the insignia worn by its chaplains. KXLY News yesterday reported that the lawsuit challenged the use of a cross as part of the insignia, as well as the department's requirement that chaplains adhere to the Judeo-Christian ethic. The city has agreed to remove the cross, and to permit non-religious individuals who otherwise qualify to become chaplains. Chaplains, however, will still be permitted to wear a cross or other religious symbol on their lapel. The chaplains are funded by donations from police officers.

Venezuela's Chavez Clashes With Church Over Constitutional Amendments

Today's Miami Herald reports on a clash between Venezuela President Hugo Chavez and the Catholic Church in Venezuela. Church officials have said proposed constitutional provisions that are to be voted on in a referendum this Sunday are "morally unacceptable". The proposals dramatically increase presidential powers. Chavez has threatened reprisals, including possible imprisonment, against Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino. However church officials are standing firm in their opposition.

Veterans Challenge VA Hospital's Policy Change On Chapel Furnishings

In Fayetteville, NC, two veterans, with the help of the Rutherford Institute, are challenging a local hospital's interpretation of VA regulations regarding hospital chapels. Today's Fayetteville Observer reports that until earlier this year, the chapel at Fayetteville's Veterans Affairs Medical Center had a cross and Bible on permanent display, which were removed only when other faiths used the chapel for services. However earlier this year, hospital officials decided that VA regulations requiring that chapels be kept open for meditation and prayer for all faiths meant that the Bible and cross need to be removed when Christian religious services are not in progress in order to keep the chapel religiously neutral. Two veterans, Joseph Kinney and Laud Pitt Jr., argue that the chapel should be kept as a Christian place of worship and that the hospital should open a separate meditation room for use by members of other faiths. They say that the hospital is suppressing Christians' freedom of religion in removing the Bible and cross.

Amish Object To NY Town's Proposal That Builders Have Insurance

In Locke, New York, town officials are considering an ordinance that would require contractors seeking building permits to demonstrate proof that they have liability insurance to protect against homeowners from being sued when a worker is injured on the job. However, according to yesterday's Syracuse Post-Standard, the proposal is raising objections from Amish families who have recently moved to the area and whose religious beliefs preclude their acquiring insurance. Last week's Post-Standard carried a long article on the tensions that have arisen as eleven Old Order Amish families have moved to areas in Cayuga County, New York. Locke had already been insisting contractors seeking building permits have insurance when it was discovered that there was no legal basis for the requirement. Locke also requires proof that contractors have worker's compensation, a requirement that Amish likewise reject.

Saudi Religious Police Acquitted In Death of Suspect

AFP reports that yesterday, a court in Saudi Arabia acquitted two members of the Saudi religious police (Muttawa) who had been charged in the death of 28-year old Suleiman Al-Huraisi. As described in the US Dept. of State Religious Freedom Report 2007, in May 2007, members of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice raided Al-Huraisi's home and arrested him, along with others, on suspicion of alcohol production. They beat Al-Huraisi, who later fell unconscious and died. The Commission's lawyer yesterday said defendants were acquitted because it was not demonstrated conclusively that Al-Huraisi's death was caused by the beating he received from religious police. A confusing fight during the raid left the possibility that Al-Huraisi was killed by a blow from a family member resisting the religious police. (See prior related posting.)

Developments In Sudan's Arrest of British School Teacher On Charges of Insulting Islam [UPDATED]

Yesterday's Khaleej Times reports that British school teacher Gillian Gibbons will be formally charged by a Sudanese court today with insulting the religious beliefs of Muslims by having her class name a teddy bear "Mohammed". (See prior posting.) ThisIsLondon today says that Gibbons technically faces three separate charges-- insulting Islam, inciting religious hatred and contempt for religious beliefs - each of which carries a maximum penalty of 40 lashes and a year in jail. However, she will likely be tried only on one of the charges. The prosecutor said she will get a swift and fair trial. As Gibbons was brought to court this morning, security was tight out of fear that militants might attempt to kidnap her.

The case has turned into a full-blown diplomatic incident as British Foreign Secretary David Miliband summoned Sudan's ambassador for urgent talks. (Australia's Herald Sun, 11/29). The AP reports that Sudan's top clerical leaders, known as the Assembly of the Ulemas, issued a statement on Wednesday calling the incident part of a broader Western plot against Muslims, and comparing it to insults against the Prophet Muhammad by author Salman Rushdie. Future develoopments may turn on how imams deal with the case in their messages at Friday prayers this week. The Muslim Council of Britain said it was "appalled" at the actions of Sudan.

Today's Times of London says that British diplomats are trying to prevent the incident from interfering with peace making efforts in Darfur. A possible compromise would be for Gibbons-- who has already spent four days in jail-- to be tried, but then expelled from the country, or pardoned, instead of being punished. The Times describes Unity High School-- the school at which Gibbons taught-- as "an exclusive British-run school favoured by the Sudanese elite."

UPDATE: AP reports that on Thursday in Sudan, teacher Gillian Gibbons was convicted of insulting Islam, and sentenced to 15 days in prison, to be followed by deportation. The quick verdict after a 7-hour trial appeared to be designed to end the case before Friday prayers and the possible incitement of worshipers over the matter. (Times of London.) A senior government official told the AP that clerics had been ordered not to deliver inflammatory sermons about the case on Friday.

UPDATE: BBC News on Thursday carries an article discussing differing views among Muslims about assigning the name Muhammad to pets and toys.

UPDATE: CNN reported on Tuesday that Gillian Gibbons arrived back in London and said her experience should not deter peoople from visiting Sudan which she said was an "extremely beautiful place."

Buddhist Priest Offers Invocation At Pennsylvania Senate Session

On Tuesday, for the first time ever the invocation opening the session of the Pennsylvania Senate was delivered by a Buddhist priest. Yesterday's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says that the Senate is attempting to show that it has diverse religious leaders offer opening prayers, in an effort to persuade Americans United for Separation of Church and State not to file suit challenging its prayer policy. In the past, most of the invocations were offered by Protestant, Catholic or Jewish clergy.

Wisconsin Bill Would Restore Name of State Christmas Tree

A committee of the Wisconsin legislature held a hearing yesterday on a proposal to rename the holiday tree that is put up each year in the state Capitol. The Assembly State Affairs Committee is considering a bill to rename the tree the Wisconsin State Christmas Tree. (Wheeler News Service, 11/26). According to yesterday's Green Bay Press Gazette, bill sponsor Rep. Marlin Schneider at the hearing decried the political correctness that led the state in 1985 to change the name from Christmas tree to holiday tree. Annie Laurie Gaylor of the Freedom From Religion Foundation opposed the proposed change.

Religion Clause Nominated In Best 100 By ABA

Editors of the ABA Journal today announced they have selected Religion Clause as one of the top 100 best "blawgs" by lawyers, for lawyers. An icon on this page's sidebar allows you to narrow the selections down even more by voting for the best blog in each of a dozen categories. Religion Clause is among ten blogs in the ABA's category "Black Letter Law". Voting ends January 2.

Texas Court Rejects Plea To Bar Autopsies of Two Muslim Men

In Fort Worth, Texas, a judge yesterday refused to stop an autopsy on two men killed in a traffic accident on Sunday night, despite pleas from their families that the autopsies violated the Muslim beliefs of the deceased. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports today that state District Judge Bob McGrath denied a TRO after the medical examiner and district attorney's office said that state law mandates the autopsies in order to determine the cause of death beyond a reasonable doubt. Assistant District Attorney Ann Diamond said that the medical examiner would perform as limited an autopsy as possible.

British Humanists' Report Criticizes Faith-Based Services In UK

The British Humanist Association today announced the release of a new report titled Quality and Equality: Human Rights, Public Services and Religious Organisations (full text) (Executive Summary). The report focuses on BHA's concern about the increasing use of religious organizations in Britain to supply social services under contract with the government. In its press release, BHA described its conclusions:

The report’s findings demonstrate that there is no evidence that religious organisations offer any distinctive benefits to the supply and provision of public services and actually that the Government’s clear policy objective of expanding the role of religious organisations within the public services runs the risk of lowering standards, increasing inequalities, introducing ‘parallel services’ and damaging social cohesion.

The research warns of the dangers of discrimination against staff not protected by Employment Equality Regulations pertaining to religion or belief or sexual orientation because of the exemptions that religious organisations have from equality legislation, and of potential barriers to accessing public services for the general public.

Insurance Company Sued Under Fair Housing Act On "FaithGuard" Policy

In Ohio, the National Fair Housing Alliance has filed a religious discrimination suit against GuideOne Mutual Insurance Co. alleging that its "FaithGuard" homeowners' insurance policies violate the federal Fair Housing Act. The complaint (full text) in National Fair Housing Alliance, Inc. v. GuideOne Mutual Insurance Co., (ND OH, filed 11.26/07), points to provisions in the policies that waive the insurance deductible if there is a loss to personal property while it held by the insured's church; a provision that pays church tithes or donations up to $750 if the insured suffers loss of income from certain accidental injuries; and the policy's doubling medical limits for an injury incurred at an activity hosted at the home of the insured on behalf of the insured's church. The complaint says that these benefits are not available to individuals who suffer losses while engaged in similar non-religious activities. The suit also alleges that GuideOne offers preferential treatment for Christians in its marketing and advertising. A fact sheet on the case is also available.

Yesterday's Akron Beacon Journal , reporting on the case, quotes GuideOne that says its product is ''available to everyone — whether they attend church or not and without regard to religion or denomination. No one has ever been denied the product based on church membership or attendance. There are no religion-related underwriting eligibility guidelines to obtain the product, and the company does not consider whether someone is a churchgoer before issuing a policy."

3rd Circuit Interprets RLUIPA's "Equal Terms" Provision

Yesterday the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals issued a lengthy opinion interpreting the anti-discrimination provision of RLUIPA. The section prohibits land use regulations that treat religious institutions "on less than equal terms" than nonreligious ones. In The Lighthouse Institute for Evangelism, Inc. v. City of Long Branch, (3d Cir., Nov. 27, 2007), the court, in a 2-1 decision, held that Long Branch, NJ did not violate the section when under a redevelopment plan it excluded churches and religious assemblies from an area zoned for entertainment and recreation.

The court held that the "equal terms" provision does not require a church to show that a "substantial burden" has been been placed on its religious exercise. However, it does require plaintiff to show that it was treated less well than a secular organization that has a similar negative impact on the aims of the challenged land-use regulation. Churches are not similarly situated because New Jersey law prohibits the issuance of a liquor license to establishments located within 200 feet of a church. The court also rejected plaintiff Lighthouse's claim under the First Amendment's Free Exercise clause, finding that its exclusion from a small area of the city did not burden its religious exercise, and that the redevelopment plan was a neutral regulation of general applicability. The court did however permit an award of damages under RLUPA for previous injury caused by a now-superseded zoning ordinance.

Judge Jordan, dissenting in part, argued that the "equal terms" provision of RLUIPA is violated when a zoning ordinance categorically excludes churches from an area where secular assemblies are permitted, without the church being required show that it is similarly situated in regard to the regulation's purpose. (See prior related posting.) [Thanks to How Appealing via Alliance Alert for the lead.]

City Council In Michigan Rejects Opening Prayer Policy

In Davison, Michigan, city council on Monday night defeated a proposal to open each meeting with a prayer. Yesterday's Flint Journal reports that the idea, proposed by Davison's new mayor, Fred "Mac" Fortner, was defeated by a 3-2 vote after Council member Joy Murray raised church-state objections. She apparently assumed that the proposal envisioned a consistently Christian invocation. Murray said she could support a moment of silence or a rotating schedule of prayers from many different religions.

California's Ban on GLBT Discrimination In Schools Challenged By Christian Groups

The AP reports that yesterday two Christian groups filed suit in a California federal district court on behalf of several teachers and a student challenging the constitutionality of California's new Student Civil Rights Act that assures equal rights in schools regardless of a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. The complaint (full text) in California Education Committee, LLC v. Schwarzenegger, (SD CA, filed 11/27/07), alleges that the new law is void for vagueness and violate provisions of the California Constitution that guarantee safety and privacy.

2nd Circuit's Invalidation of Student Fee Plan Protects Christian Student Groups

Alliance Defense Fund said last week that Christian student groups are among the beneficiaries of a recent ruling by the U.S. 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals invalidating the use of an advisory referendum as a basis for allocating funds to recognized student organizations at SUNY Albany. In Amidon v. Student Ass’n of the State University of New York, (2d Cir., Nov. 20, 2007), the court held that the use of a referendum to impact the amount of student fees allocated to various groups amounts to unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination.

New Rules Permit Menorah Lighting At Rhode Island Town Hall

In Barrington, Rhode Island this year for the first time a menorah lighting will take place in front of Town Hall during Hanukkah. This, and a Dec. 2 tree lighting ceremony, both take plce under new policies adopted earlier this month by the Town Council, according to EastBayRI.com. One policy requires that the town's holiday display be secular. The second allows individuals or non-profit, religious, fraternal or veterans' groups to obtain a permit to conduct a "temporary" event on Town Hall property. A temporary event must be taken down at night and put up the next day. The Menorah will be taken down daily to meet this requirement according to Rabbi Moshe Laufer, director of the Chabad of Barrington, sponsor of the event.

In A First, Nigerian Islamic Court Sentences Man For Adultery

Reuters today reports that for the first time since 2000 when twelve northern states in Nigeria began strict enforcement of Islamic law, a man was convicted of adultery. Mahmud Hamisu, who confessed, was sentenced to one year in prison and 100 lashes under Nigerian sharia law. The lashes were administered shortly after his conviction. Since 2000, six pregnant unmarried women were sentenced to death for adultery by these courts, but all their sentences were overturned on appeal.

Cert. Denied In Two Church-State Cases

Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court denied certiorari (Order List) in two church-state cases. One was Harris County, TX v. Staley (Docket Nos. 07-100 and 07-286), involving the display of a Bible in a monument on the grounds of the Harris County, Texas court house. The district court, as well as a 5th Circuit panel's decision, found that the display violated the Establishment Clause. Ultimately the 5th Circuit en banc refused to reach the merits because of subsequent mootness. However it left the district court decision in place and ordered defendants to pay attorneys' fees. (See prior posting.) Yesterday's Houston Chronicle covered the cert denial. In another article, the Chronicle reports that some county officials still hope the monument and Bible can be installed elsewhere on county property.

The second case in which cert was denied was Teen Ranch, Inc. v. Udow, (Docket No. 07-362). In the case, the 6th Circuit had upheld the decision of Michigan's Family Independence Agency to stop placing abused, neglected and delinquent children with Teen Ranch because the faith-based organization coerces religious participation by youths in their programs. (See prior posting.) Today's Detroit News reports on the denial of cert. [Thanks to Steven C. Sheinberg for the leads.]

Annapolis Conference Begins With Religiously-Compliant Dinner Menu

Last night, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice hosted a dinner in Washington for participants in the Annapolis Middle East Peace Conference. President Bush attended and spoke of his commitment to the peace process. The AP reports that the dinner menu was planned to carefully comply with both Jewish and Muslim dietary restrictions. The world leaders offered a toast using non-alcoholic beverages. Entree choices were either red and yellow beet salad with mango and curried mango dressing, or honey-soy glazed sea bass with cabbage, snow peas and mushrooms. Last week the AP reported that attendees who wish to explore the city of Annapolis will find little in the way of kosher food, and only a bit more that is Halal-compliant. Annapolis has no kosher or halal markets.

2nd Circuit OK's Border Policy Targeting Attendees At Muslim Conference

In Tabbaa v. Chertoff, (2d Cir., Nov. 26, 2007), the U.S. 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a challenge brought by several Muslim U.S. citizens to the border inspection policy implemented by the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Plaintiffs had attended a Reviving Islamic Spirit (RIS) Conference in Canada and, upon their return to the U.S., had been detained for several hours, questioned, searched and photographed. The court rejected plaintiffs' claims that their religious freedom rights under the First Amendment and RFRA were violated by the CBP policy, and that their associational rights were violated by CBP's targeting of individuals who attended the RIS Conference. The court concluded that the searches and detention of plaintiffs furthered a compelling governmental interest in preventing terrorism, and the fingerprinting and photographing involved were the least restrictive means of furthering that interest. The court also rejected arguments that CBP had exceeded its statutory authority and had violated the 4th Amendment's prohibition of unreasonable searches and seizures. (See prior related posting.) The AP yesterday reported on the decision. [Thanks to Steven C. Sheinberg for the lead.]

Retrial Opens In Vermont In Sexual Abuse Case Against Church

Today's Burlington (VT) Free Press reports on the start of the retrial in a case of James Turner who claims that Vermont's Roman Catholic Diocese failed to protect him from sexual molestation by a priest in 1977. The incident occurred after a ceremony for Turner's brother who was about to become a priest. A mistrial was declared in June in the first trial of the case because of objectionable questioning of Turner by diocesan lawyers. Turner's lawyer, Jerome O'Neill, in his opening statement argued that the diocese systematically hired priests with questionable backgrounds, ignored warning signs and covered up misconduct to protect against lawsuits.

UPDATE: On Thursday, Judge Matthew Katz who is hearing the case ruled that while the claim for compensatory damages for negligent supervision may go to the jury, no award of punitive damages against the Diocese will be permitted because plaintiff did not prove that the Diocese knew of Rev. Alfred Willis' prior history of molesting children. (Rutland Herald).

Russian Authorities Urge Cult Members To Release Children From Cave

In Russia's Penza province, some 400 miles southeast of Moscow, 29 followers of a doomsday prophet have retreated to a cave to await the end of the world which they believe will occur this May. (International Herald Tribune, 11/21).One of the group's leaders in a dream conceived the idea of the move in order to save themselves during the time of the apocalypse. The group has been in the cave since Oct. 24, and they threaten to blow themselves up if forced to leave. Their leader, Pyotr Kuznetsov, founder of the True Russian Orthodox Church, is now confined to a psychiatric hospital after being charged with setting up a religious organization associated with violence. Beloruski Novosti reported yesterday that a member of the Belarus' parliament went to the cave on Sunday and spoke with the group which includes 10 or 12 Belorussian citizens.

Yesterday, RIA Novosti reported that Kuznetsov has refused to help authorities convince the group to release four small children who are with them. Psychiatrists from Moscow are currently negotiating with those inside the cave, focusing on release of the children. They are being assisted by millionaire businessman German Sterligov who has himself been living in a remote forest hut to protect his family from the "negative influence of television and modern schools".

Sudan Arrests Primary School Teacher Over Name of Teddy Bear

Reuters today reports that in Khartoum, Sudan, a British elementary-school teacher has been arrested for permitting her class of 7-year olds to name a teddy bear Mohammad. Teacher Gillian Gibbons was combining a unit on animals and their habitats with an attempt to teach students about voting. Students came up with eight possible names for the bear, and then voted on their favorite. Twenty of the 23 students voted for "Mohammad". After a number of parents complained to Sudan's Ministry of Education, Gibbons was arrested on charges of insulting the Prophet Mohammad. The Sudanese Media Centre said charges of insulting religion were being prepared "under article 125 of the criminal law". (However under Sudan's 2003 Penal Code , it would appear that Sections 242 and 242(A) are the sections involved.) Other teachers at the over-100 year old independent Unity High School that is run by members of various Christian denominations -- but which also enrolls Muslim students -- said that Gibbons merely made an innocent mistake. Meanwhile school director Robert Boulos has closed the school until January for fear of reprisals.

New York's RFRA Proposals Generate Opposition

With the support of Gov. Eliot Spitzer, a Religious Freedom Restoration Act (S 6464 and A 9098), has been introduced into New York's legislature. The proposed law would prohibit state and local governments from substantially burdening religious exercise unless they have a compelling interest and use narrowly tailored means to achieve that interest. Today's Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reports that Speaker Sheldon Silver-- along with 40 co-sponsors-- is introducing an alternative bill that will also prohibit using religious liberty protections to defend against enforcement of anti-discrimination and health care access laws. A Christian lobbying group, New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, opposes that bill because of its protection for abortion rights and rights of homosexuals. Meanwhile, the Albany-based Institute for Humanist Studies is opposing RFRA more generally, objecting to the special rights it gives to those who practice religion. (Press release).

Islamic Academy In Virginia on Defensive As Legislators Press For Action

Last month, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom urged the closure of the Islamic Saudi Academy in Fairfax, Virginia, pending a review of its textbooks. (See prior posting.) Yesterday the AP reported that a group of U.S. senators has written the State Department urging it to act on the recommendations, and last week a bill was introduced in the House of Representatives to require implementation of USCIRF's recommendations. The Academy, however, is defending itself. It has given copies of its books to the Saudi embassy, which in turn forwarded them to the State Department, though USCIRF has not yet seen them. The school's director general, Abdalla al-Shabnan, says that it has modified Saudi textbooks to remove passage that are intolerant of other religions. The Academy is also strongly defended by schools that compete against it in interscholastic sports-- including private Christian schools.

Saudis Attempt To Justify Sentence Imposed On Rape Victim

The AP reports that on Saturday, Saudi Arabia's Justice Ministry issued a statement defending a controversial sentence under Islamic law imposed by Saudi courts on a rape victim. The victim and her male companion were abducted from a shopping mall parking lot by seven men. Last week, U.S. Democratic Presidential candidates, human rights groups and the State Department all criticized the sentence of 200 lashes and six months in jail. The victim violated Saudi Arabia's Sharia law requiring women to have a male relative with them when they are in public. (CNN). The woman was originally sentenced to 90 lashes, but the sentence was increase on appeal. Her attackers were sentenced last month to two to nine years in prison. The Saudi statement issued Saturday says that the woman was partially dressed in a parked car with her lover when they were attacked. It said the sentence followed the "the book of God and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad". The woman's lawyer, whose license has was suspended after he filed the appeal, faces a disciplinary hearing at the Ministry of Justice next month.

UPDATE: Arab News reported on Tuesday that Abdul Rahman Al-Lahem, lawyer for the woman who was sentenced, will now file a defamation suit through the Ministry of Culture and Information because of the statement by the Ministry of Justice that included a claim that the rape victim had confessed to having an illegal affair.

UPDATE: AP reported on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia's Prince Saud al-Faisal, in a statement issued while he is in the U.S., said that "the Saudi judiciary will review the case".

UPDATE: On Jan 21, 2008, CNN reported that lawyer Abdul Rahman Al-Lahem told CNN that the Saudi Jusice Ministry has reinstated his license to practice law. In December, the Justice Ministry claimed that the lawyer's license had never been revoked.