"In God We Trust" Moved From Face To Edge Of New $1 Coins

WorldNet Daily reported yesterday that the new presidential dollar coins to be released next month will no longer have the motto "In God We Trust" on the face of the coin. Instead the motto will be moved to the thin edge of the new gold-colored dollars, as will the minting date and the motto "E Pluribus Unum". (Artist's rendering of the coin.) The U.S. Mint says the change will permit larger portraits of the presidents on the face of the coins. Some conservatives have found more sinister motives. Judicial Watch's blog, Corruption Chronicles, headlined its posting on this "US Mint Appeases Atheists".

The new dollar coin series will be issued over several years. Each three months, a gold-tinted dollar portraying a different president will be issued. The reverse side of each coin portrays the Statute of Liberty, replacing the word "Liberty" now on all coins. [Thanks to Ed Brayton at Dispatches from the Culture Wars for the information.]

Las Cruces Case Tried Yesterday

Yesterday in federal district court in New Mexico, the remaining Establishment Clause claims challenging the use of three crosses as a symbol in Las Cruces, New Mexico was tried. The claims involved the use by the public schools of three crosses as a logo on maintenance vehicles and in a mural at an elementary school. (See prior posting.) Plaintiff Paul Weinbaum, a retired teacher represented himself at the trial, according to today's Las Cruces Sun-News. At trial, Weinbaum introduced little in the way of factual evidence, other than his own opinion, to support his claim that the schools were attempting to promote religion by using the logo, or that those who created the mural were attempting to proselytize.

Charter School's Renting of Space From Religious Groups Questioned

Denver's Rocky Mountain News today reports that state funds used by the Hope Online Learning Academy Coop to rent space from churches across Colorado appears, in some cases, to be significantly supporting a church's existence. Hope is an online charter school targeting at-risk children. It operates 81 learning centers across Colorado. Half of its centers have some religious affiliation. Each learning center receives over $3500 per student from Hope to cover rent, as well as employment of a director and of mentors who are essentially classroom aides. Hope policies say that state funds given to learning centers cannot be used for religious purposes, but at one private Christian school the rent received from Hope is almost twice the school's annual mortgage payments. At several other religious schools that run Hope centers, twice as much is spent on overhead as on instruction. The article also raises questions about the supervision of Hope by the small school board that chartered it.

"Observant Jews" Sue Over Pork Casings On Beef Hot Dogs

The Wall Street Journal Law Blog reported yesterday on a law suit filed against Vienna Beef by several "observant Jews". The class action, Gershengorin v. Vienna Beef, Ltd., (Cook Co. IL Cir. Ct., Nov. 20, 2006) (full text of complaint) alleges that Vienna's "all-beef" hot dogs with natural casings use pork intestine casings without disclosing that fact in any of its retail advertising or labeling. The information appears only on wholesale box labeling. The suit, seeking damages and injunctive relief, alleges breach of warranty, non-conformity of goods to contract terms, consumer fraud and common law fraud. Vienna publicizes that its hot dogs are not kosher; however many Jews who do not strictly observe kosher food rules nevertheless avoid eating pork products. Plaintiffs' lawyer Lance Raphael, said: "The case isn't about Jews suing Vienna beef. The case is about Vienna beef not telling consumers that their all-beef hot dog contains pork, whether they're Jews, Muslims, or Samuel L. Jackson." [Thanks to Steven H. Sholk for the lead.]

Nativity Film Promo Dropped From Chicago's Christkindlmarket

One of the special events scheduled between Thanksgiving and Christmas in Chicago's downtown Daley Plaza is Christkindlmarket, organized by the German American Chamber of Commerce. One of the sponsors was to have been New Line Cinema, but according to the Associated Press yesterday, New Line has been dropped. It had planned to run a preview promoting its new film, "The Nativity Story", on television sets at the event. However, the Mayor's Office of Special Events urged the organizers to drop the film promotion, saying that it would be contrary to suggested advertising standards for events held on Daley Plaza, and would be insensitive to the many people of different faiths who come to enjoy Christkindlmarket for its food and unique gifts.

Intelligent Design Trial Headed For the Big Screen

The York (PA) Daily Record reports today that Paramount Pictures is planning to produce a movie on last year's Dover, Pennsylvania intelligent design trial. The studio has hired Ron Nyswaner to write the screenplay. He is using trial transcripts, interviews and news coverage as background for his work.

Anti-Semitic Incident Following Paris Soccer Match Leads To Fatal Shooting

French government officials are reacting to an ugly anti-Semitic incident that followed a soccer game last Thursday in which an Israeli team, Hapoel Tel Aviv, defeated a French team, Paris Saint-Germain. Yesterday's Jerusalem Post reports that overt racial incidents have become common at PSG's Parc des Princes Stadium. Four young people from the Paris Jewish community had gone to the game to support the Israeli team. Afterwards, outside the stadium, they were cornered by a mob of some 100 right wing fans of the French team who were shouting "filthy Jew", making Nazi salutes and shouting "Le Pen president". Jean-Marie LePen is the head of the right-wing National Front party. A French policeman, a native of the Caribbean, came to the assistance of one of the Jewish youngsters, Yaniv Hazout, who was being chased. The mob yelled at him, "filthy black, we're going to get you". The policeman used tear gas and later fired into the crowd to protect himself and Hazout. His bullet hit two of the attackers, killing one of them.

The AP reported Sunday that Antoine Granomort, the plainclothes officer who fired the shot, had been released from custody after an investigation. Paris prosecutor Jean-Claude Marin said that Granomort did not fire his gun until after he had been pushed to the ground, lost his glasses, and saw his assailants jumping on top of him. French Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy said on Sunday that he would eradicate violence and racism from the PGS soccer stadium, even if it meant having empty stands. (Today's Australian.)

Michigan Cities Eliminate Religious Holiday Displays

The Detroit Free Press this morning reports that two Michigan cities are modifying their traditional holiday displays. Southfield is removing a Menorah that has been part of its display for the last three years. A member of St. Michael's Catholic Church learned that the city had purchased the Menorah in 2000, and requested the city to likewise buy a creche to include in the display. City attorney Jack Beras said that it was inappropriate for the city to own either religious symbol. The city will try to find a buyer for the Menorah. Meanwhile, this year's display will include only secular symbols-- toy soldiers, a sleigh, a snowman, a lantern, grazing deer, a Christmas tree and a dreidel.

And in Berkley, Michigan, the city transferred the creche it has displayed for 20 years to to the Berkley Clergy Association. That group will lend the nativity scene to churches that want to display it. Last year, after an ACLU challenge, the city added secular symbols to its display of the creche and a Star of David, but city council did not like that as a permanent solution. (See prior posting.)

Sectarian Invocations By North Carolina Local Governments Questioned

Governmental bodies in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, North Carolina, continue to open their meetings with sectarian Christian prayers. Today's Winston-Salem Journal reports that the ACLU of North Carolina has written the city and county governments objecting to the invocations that often refer specifically to Jesus Christ. In a memo to city council, Winston-Salem city attorney Ron Seeber says that the ACLU is correct in asserting that council may not open its meetings with a sectarian prayer. It may use a moment of silence or a prayer that does not refer to a particular diety. Forsyth County Attorney Davida Martin agreed. However, Gloria Whisenhunt, the chairwoman of the Forsyth County board of commissioners said: "I don't see us banning prayer, and I don't see us asking ministers to change the way they pray. I don't think we're bothering anyone, quite frankly."

Report on Antisemitism in Australia

A Report on Antisemitism in Australia from Oct. 2005 to Sept. 2006 (full text) has been presented to the annual conference of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. It says that 440 incidents were recorded during the year. Statements in fringe publications and from extremist organizations remain a serious concern; however anti-Jewish language was sometimes also part of mainstream discussion of public issues. On the positive side, during the year a number of speeches in Australian parliaments condemned antisemitism, and the ECAJ successfully challenged an article in the One Nation political party’s newspaper as being in breach of the Federal Racial Hatred Act. An apology was ordered.

Recent Articles and Books-- Religion & State In U.S. and Abroad

Articles: (from SmartCILP):

• Robert John Araujo, S.J., The Transnational Perspective of the Church: The Embryonic Cloning Debate and Stem Cell Research, 22 Journal of Contemporary Health Law & Policy 497-507 (2006).
  
• Jonathan F. Wills, My God My Choice: The Mature Minor Doctrine and Adolescent Refusal of Life-Saving or Sustaining Medical Treatment Based Upon Religious Beliefs, 22 Journal of Contemporary Health Law & Policy 233-300 (2006).

Recent Books on Church-State Issues in the U.S.:

• Tracy Fessenden, Culture and Redemption: Religion, the Secular, and American Literature, (Princeton University Press, Nov. 2006).
  
• Christopher L. Eisgruber & Lawrence G. Sager, Religious Freedom and the Constitution, (Harvard University Press, Jan. 2007).

Recent Books on Religion and State In Europe and Asia:

• John T. Sidel, Riots, Pogroms, Jihad: Religious Violence in Indonesia, (Cornell University Press, Dec. 2006).
  
• Paul A. Hanebrink, In Defense of Christian Hungary: Religion, Nationalism, and Antisemitism, 1890–1944, (Cornell University Press, Aug. 2006).
  
• Genevieve Zubrzycki, The Crosses of Auschwitz: Nationalism and Religion in Post-Communist Poland, (University of Chicago Press, Fall 2006).
  
• Mujiburrahman, Feeling Threatened: Muslim-Christian Relations in Indonesia’s New Order, (Amsterdam University Press, 2006).

Countries Object To U.S. Listing Them As Religious Freedom Violators

Uzbekistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs last week issued a statement (full text) objecting to the country's inclusion on the U.S. State Department's list of countries of particular concern-- the most egregious violators of religious liberty. (See prior posting.) Charging that the U.S. takes a one-sided approach and uses a double standard, the statement says: "Religious toleration and forbearance have always been and remain to be the most important component of the state policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan. " It concludes that the State Department's action constitutes "interference into internal affairs of sovereign Uzbekistan". MosNews covers the story. Also last week, a spokesman for China's foreign ministry registered similar objections to his country's inclusion on this year's list. (Times of India).

Scottsdale Churches Oppose New Zoning Proposals

In Scottsdale, Arizona, a coalition of churches is opposing the most recent proposals by the city to restrict the location of new churches and religious schools. Yesterday's East Valley Tribune reported that the city is proposing that new schools in residential areas be at least a quarter-mile apart, and that "large assemblies" such as churches and religious schools be required to obtain a permit to operate in residential areas. The general proposals were a response to a suit filed by SonRise Community Church that was denied a permit to build a church and private school on a 9-acre site it owned. Church leaders say that the city's proposals would prohibit a church from founding an on-premise school if another school was close by. They also fear that the permit requirement will let the city regulate when services can be held and how large churches can grow. Scottsdale leaders are now drafting a white paper to try to come up with a compromise. They plan to release the compromise proposals next Friday. (See prior related posting.)

Episcopal Church Has Task Force On Property Disputes

The Episcopal Church is sufficiently concerned over defections by traditionalists who object to church policies such as the 2003 ordination of an openly gay bishop that it has formed a special task force to monitor dioceses that it considers a problem. The Associated Press reports that the House of Bishops Task Force on Property Disputes is remaining in contact with Episcopalians who want to remain loyal to the Episcopal Church in at least six dioceses that have distanced themselves from policies of the national body. The goal is to be ready for legal battles that may ensue.

Poll Finds No Difference In Religiosity In Muslim Radicals and Moderates

This month's Foreign Policy carries an article titled What Makes a Muslim Radical?. It reports on a Gallup World Poll of more than 9,000 interviews in nine Muslim countries. The poll shows that Muslim radicals have more in common with Muslim moderates than previously thought. It finds that there is no significant difference in religiosity, or attendance at religious services, between moderates and radicals. The main difference between the two groups seems to be that radicals are more likely to feel that the West threatens and attempts to control their way of life, while moderates want to build economic ties with the West.

Movement To Legalize Polygamy In US

The Providence (RI) Journal yesterday carried an article on the movement in the United States to legalize polygamy. A sign of their progress is the fact that Utah's attorney general, Mark Shurtleff, no longer prosecutes bigamy between consenting adults. He has promoted meetings between Utah law enforcement officials and representatives of polygamous groups. Shurtleff does go after members of polygamous groups that violate other laws such as rape laws and laws prohibiting sexualcontactst with minors.

British Muslim Teacher Who Insisted On Veil Is Dismissed

Aishah Azmi, the teaching assistant in a British school who brought high profile litigation last month in her attempt to veil her face while teaching children (see prior posting), has now been dismissed from her position. After claiming that her religious beliefs meant she had to wear a niqab in the presence of male colleagues, including when working with pupils, she was suspended without pay by Headfield Church of England School, in Dewsbury, West Yorks. School officials claimed that the veil interfered with her ability to communicate with students. (See prior posting.) An employment tribunal rejected her claim of discrimination, but awarded her damages for injury to her feelings. Her one-year fixed term contract was renewed in August, even though she had been suspended for the past six months. But now, after a disciplinary hearing before education officials, she has been terminated, according to yesterday's Telegraph. Her lawyers are waiting for a written decision before they decide whether to appeal.

25th Anniversary Of UN Declaration On Religious Freedom

Today is the 25th anniversary of the adoption by the United Nations of the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief. Marking the day, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom called on countries around the world to review their policies in order to promote religious freedom and support the work of the United Nations and other international bodies in this area.

Sect Leaders Convicted For Resisting Restaurant Inspection

In Costa Mesa, California, three members of a small born-again Christian religious sect were convicted this week on multiple misdemeanor counts for refusing to let health inspectors into their tea room to carry out a normally-routine restaurant inspection. The Associated Press today reports that the Piecemakers have resisted health inspectors since the early 1990's, arguing that the law of God takes precedence over the law of man. Inspectors say the Piecemakers are selling unpackaged foods, such as homemade sandwiches and soup, without a permit. They were ordered to stop doing so and placed on probation in 2000, but undercover inspectors found continuing violations. Last October, inspectors arrived with a court order and faced a loud confrontation. 85-year old Marie Kolasinski and two others were arrested after they wrestled with inspectors and let loose with a barrage of profanity. Defendants each face up to a year in jail.

Indiana Released-Time Suit Nears Settlement

A settlement appears to have been reached in a law suit filed last month by the ACLU of Indiana against the Mooresville, Indiana school system challenging the Weekday Religious Education Program offered to Neil Armstrong Elementary School students. (See prior posting.) The Indy Star today reports that the primary concern of the parents challenging the released-time program has been met by moving the voluntary weekly classes from a trailer on school property to a church across the street.

Yemeni Editor Sentenced For Publishing Mohammed Cartoons

A court in Yemen today found newspaper editor Kamal al-Olufi guilty of "publishing blasphemous drawings offending the Prophet Mohammed and Islamic religion." The controversial cartoons were first run in a Danish newspaper last year. M&C News reports that al-Olufi was sentenced to one year in prison, and a six-month ban was imposed on his newspaper for violations of Yemen's Press and Publications Law.

Marine Now In Iraq Sues As Conscientious Objector

A Philadelphia Inquirer story from yesterday reports that a habeas corpus action has been filed in federal court in Washington, D.C. on behalf of Marine Lance Corporal John Rogowskyj, Jr. The Pennsylvania man is seeking to be discharged as a conscientious objector. The 22-year old Marine who joined the National Guard in 2002, says he is a religious humanist who does not belong to any organized religion. His CO claim was rejected by a C.O. Status Screening Board in August. The Board said it believed that his claim was merely a means to avoid deployment to Iraq. He was deployed to Iraq on Nov. 2 in a non-combat assignment—serving on an armed patrol boat protecting hydroelectric plants along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers and Lake Qadisiyah.

Turkey In Uncertain Times On Relation of Islam To State as Pope's Visit Nears

Pope Benedict XVI will visit Turkey next week. The Los Angeles Times reports that many Muslims in the country remain angry over the Pope’s speech in Regensburg, Germany last September that was seen by many as unfairly critical of Islam. (See prior posting.) Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who will be away at a NATO summit during part of the Pope’s visit, will not be meeting with the Pope. The Pope’s planned visit to Istanbul's St. Sophia, built in the 6th century as a Byzantine church and converted into a mosque 900 years later, has also created controversy as an Islamic newspaper charged that the Pope was planning to bless the former church in an attempt to "revive Byzantium". Actually, the main purpose of the Pope’s trip is to bridge the split between the Vatican and the world’s Orthodox Christians led by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I in Istanbul. (Houston Chronicle).

This week, Turkey’s leading think tank, the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation, released a poll suggesting that political Islam is not taking hold in the country. It shows that while religion is flourishing in Turkey, it is undergoing modernization and liberalization. (Turkish Weekly.)

Meanwhile, in what is seen as a precedent-setting decision, a Turkish court this week ruled that a student who was a member of Turkey’s Alevi community was exempt from mandatory religion courses taught in Turkish schools. The case was brought by Ali Kenanoglu, Deputy Chairman of the Alevi-Bektashi Foundation, in order to get the exemption for his son. Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate has insisted that Alevis are not members of a separate religious faith. In a separate case, an appeal is pending before the European Court of Human Rights by an Alevi challenging mandatory religion classes in Turkish schools. (Reports from Sabah and from the Turkish Daily News.)

UPDATE: Zenit on Sunday carried an interesting interview with Raphaela M.T. Schmid, the Rome director of the Becket Institute for Religious Liberty on The State of Religious Liberty in Turkey. She says: "Christian churches want more religious freedom but they too are aware that the secularism of the Turkish state may also be a bulwark against a more radical form of Islam."

Religious Bias Claim Growing Out Of Child Neglect Proceeding Moves Ahead

In Starkey v. Boulder County Social Services, 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 84768 (D CO, Nov. 21, 2006), a Colorado federal district court permitted a husband and wife and their children to move forward with their claim against state social workers. Plaintiffs alleged that the defendants during the course of a Colorado state court dependency and neglect proceeding took action to deprive plaintiff parents of custody and visitation rights, motivated by disapproval of their fundamentalist Christian beliefs. The court dismissed claims against the social service agency itself on 11th Amendment grounds, but permitted claims against individual defendants to proceed over their claim of qualified immunity.

Hong Kong Court Upholds Regulation Of Religious Schools Getting State Aid

The High Court of Hong Kong yesterday decided Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong v. Secretary for Justice, (HCAL 157/2005, Nov. 23, 2006), upholding a 2004 law on the governance of religious schools receiving state aid in Hong Kong. Hong Kong's Basic Law protects the right of religious organizations to continue to run seminaries and other schools "according to their previous practice". The Catholic Diocese challenged the requirement that school management committees be set up, and that sponsoring religious bodies are only permitted to appoint 60% of the committee members. The court held that educational institutions’ autonomy must be subject to the policies formulated by the Government of the Hong Kong under article 136(1) of the Basic Law that gives the government the power to "formulate policies on the development and improvement of education". China's The Standard today reports at length on the decision and says the diocese has not said whether it plans an appeal.

Pakistan Senate Follows Lower House In Passing Hudood Amendments

Following the lead of the National Assembly (see prior posting), Pakistan's Senate yesterday passed amendments to the country's Hudood Ordinance, allowing rape cases to be tried in criminal courts instead of Islamic courts, and eliminating the death penalty for persons convicted of having sex outside of marriage. The International Herald Tribune reported that the bill, passed by voice vote, now goes to President Pervez Musharraf, who is expected to sign it into law. The International News gives more detail on the debate in the Senate on the law, known as the Women's Protection Bill.

Christian Converts Go On Trial In Turkey

The Associated Press reports that two men who converted to Christianity went on trial yesterday in Turkey, charged under Article 301 of Turkey's Penal Code with insulting "Turkishness" and inciting religious hatred against Islam. The charges against the men include telling potential converts that Islam was "a primitive and fabricated" religion and that Turks would remain "barbarians" as long they continued practicing Islam; speaking out against Turkey's compulsory military service; and compiling databases of possible converts. The trial began just a few days before Pope Benedict XVI visits the country.

Ontario Group Complains About City Council Prayer

In the Canada, the group Secular Ontario has examined the minutes of council meetings posted online by Ontario towns and cities and has found 18 municipalities that open their meetings with the Lord's Prayer. Yesterday's Ottawa Sun reported that the group has sent the list to Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Gerretsen and has written the municipalities involved pointing out that a 1999 Ontario Court of Appeals decision (Freitag v. Corporation of the Town of Penetanguishene) held that the practice violates Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Court Avoids Interesting RLUIPA Constitutional Issue

A Georgia federal district court has avoided deciding an intriguing constitutional challenge to the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. In Williams v. Georgia, 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 80852 (SD GA, Nov. 6, 2006), a federal judge accepted in full a Magistrate Judge's Report and Recommendation, 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 84023 (SD GA, Oct. 10, 2006), denying prison officials' motion to dismiss a RLUIPA claim against them. The prisoner's substantive complaints were fairly routine-- the prison's refusal to furnish him a pork-free diet and the requirement that he shave his head and beard violate his right to practice his religious beliefs. The unusual part of the case was the defense raised by prison officials to the portion of the suit brought against them in their individual capacities.

The defendants argued that the constitutional basis for RLUIPA is Congress' spending clause power, and the individual officials are not part of the contract for spending between the Department of Corrections and the federal government. However the court held that since plaintiff's claims are only against the individual defendants in their official capacities, it is unnecessary for the court to decide the more difficult question of whether RLUIPA authorizes suit against government officials in their individual capacities. (See prior related posting.)

D.C. Officials Say Religious Group Needs Fraternity House Zoning

Just before Thanksgiving, Washington, D.C.'s Zoning Administrator found himself in the midst of a dispute with nine college students over the line between a religious organization and a fraternity house. Yesterday's Washington Post reports that in August, student Brian O'Neill Jr. and eight friends moved into an elegant house in Georgetown where zoning rules restrict occupancy to six unrelated people. The students, however, filed to incorporate as the Apostles of Peace and Unity, a non-profit religious organization-- a move that some of their parents described as "ingenious". Religious groups are exempt from the six-person limitation. However, at the instance of unhappy neighbors, D.C. zoning officials have issued a cease-and-desist order against the students, saying they fit the definition of a fraternity house and therefore require a zoning variance and additional designated parking spaces.

Scientologists' Gifts To London Police Questioned

The British press has disclosed that London police officers have accepted gifts and entertainment worth thousands of pounds from the Church of Scientology. Reuters on Wednesday reported that the police department has opened a review of its hospitality policy after it was disclosed that invitations to charity dinners, music concerts and a film premiere were among the gifts, most of which were approved by senior officers. Police apparently developed a relationship with Scientologists when the group helped police last July in dealing with the suicide attacks on the London transit system.

President's Thanksgiving Proclamation and Its References To Religion

Last week President Bush issued a Presidential Proclamation (full text) setting today as Thanksgiving. Stressing religious origins of the day, the President said "Nearly four centuries have passed since early settlers gave thanks for their safe arrival and pilgrims enjoyed a harvest feast to thank God for allowing them to survive a harsh winter in the New World." He continued: "I encourage all Americans to gather together in their homes and places of worship with family, friends, and loved ones to reinforce the ties that bind us and give thanks for the freedoms and many blessings we enjoy."

Yesterday, the President focused more on the secular aspects of the holiday, pardoning two Thanksgiving turkeys brought to the White House by the National Turkey Federation. Today the turkeys will serve as the honorary grand marshall of the Thanksgiving Day Parade at Disneyland. However, President Bush did not totally ignore the religious element of the day, pointing out-- just before granting the formal pardon-- that "on Thanksgiving Day, we gather with loved ones and we lift our hearts toward heaven in humility and gratitude." (Full text of President's statement.) The White House website has a special web page devoted to Thanksgiving 2006, including the results of the online voting for the preferred names for the White House turkeys. The winning choice was Flyer and Fryer.

Joseph Knippenberg at No Left Turns discusses the history of Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamations, and the varying emphasis on religion in them. And in today's Washington Post, columnist Jon Meacham discusses how to fit Thanksgiving into America's church-state separation.

47 Congress Members Support "In God We Trust" As 9th Circuit Amici

The American Center for Law and Justice announced yesterday that it has filed a brief on behalf of 47 member of Congress (1 Senator and 46 Representatives) in the 9th Circuit case of Newdow v. Congress of the United States. The case involves a challenge to the constitutionality of the national motto, "In God We Trust". The amicus brief (full text) argues that the use of the national motto is fully consistent with the Establishment Clause. Relying on Supreme Court dicta and lower court decisions, the brief says that the motto merely reflects the historical role of religion in U.S. history. (See prior related posting.)

Virginia Protects Game From Being Hunted On Sundays

As deer hunting season begins, The Hook reported yesterday that one of the remaining "blue laws" in Virginia bans hunting on Sunday. Code of Virginia Sec. 29.1-521 provides, rather cryptically, that it is unlawful: "To hunt or kill any wild bird or wild animal, including any nuisance species, with a gun, firearm or other weapon on Sunday, which is hereby declared a rest day for all species of wild bird and wild animal life, except raccoons, which may be hunted until 2:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings." Virginia residents are split on whether the ban on Sunday hunting should be repealed. Apparently the state Game Department favors repeal to counter a decline in the sale of hunting licenses.

6th Circuit Upholds Retaliation Claim By School Official Invited To Gay Church

Yesterday in Scarbrough v. Morgan County Board of Education, (6th Cir., Nov. 22, 2006), the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a trial court's grant of summary judgment and permitted a school superintendent who was not appointed to a new position as director of county schools to proceed with his First Amendment retaliation claims against three members of a School Board of Education who voted against him. The court also permitted him to proceed under 42 USC Sec. 1983 against the Morgan County, Tennessee School Board itself. Plaintiff Paul Scarbrough argued that he was denied the position because a local newspaper had reported that he had agreed to speak at a convention sponsored by a church with a predominantly gay and lesbian congregation. In fact, he ultimately turned down the invitation to speak because of scheduling conflicts. The court held that the retaliation claims arise under the First Amendment's free speech clause, and dismissed a parallel free exercise of religion claim, as well as a freedom of association claim, saying that these are not independent causes of action.

Free Exercise Challenge To County Human Rights Code Dismissed As Moot

Arlington County Virginia's Human Rights Code (Code Chap. 31) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Last year, Bono Film & Video, Inc. refused a request by Lilli Vincenz that it copy for her two videos about gays and lesbians. The family-owned company has a policy that it will refuse work that is inconsistent with its Christian and ethical values. Vincenz filed a complaint with the Arlington County Human Rights Commission. Initially it issued a decision finding that Bono Film and its owner had illegally discriminated against Vincenz. After Vincenz filed suit, the Commission reconsidered the decision and dismissed the case. Last week in Bono Film & Video, Inc. v. Arlington County Human Rights Commission, 2006 Va. Cir. LEXIS 194 (Cir. Ct. Arl. Co., Nov. 16, 2006), a Virginia trial court dismissed the suit that had been filed challenging the Commission's action. The court held that since no enforcement action had been taken against plaintiffs, they lacked standing to pursue the claim that Virginia law did not authorized the Commission to investigate sexual orientation discrimination claims. Their free exercise claims challenging the Commission's initial decision were found to now be moot. (See prior related posting.)

India's Supreme Court Will Consider Whether Superstition About 13 Is Religious

India's Supreme Court has agreed to review an unusual case in which a man from Kerala charges that superstitious avoidance of the number 13 by the government violates the India's secular constitution and is based on Christian ideas. His suit challenges the High Court of Kerala's decision not to have a Court number 13. Yesterday Reuters reported that the lower court held N.K. Chandramohan's suit was "frivolous" and fined him 10,000 rupees for trying to "malign" the court. But the Supreme Court on Monday said that "such superstitious behavior cannot be encouraged", and said it would hear the appeal soon.

Imams Removed From US Airways Flight For Suspicious Behavior

Six imams charge that they were unjustifiably removed yesterday from a US Airways flight that they had just boarded in Minneapolis. They were handcuffed and questioned by police and FBI agents before eventually being cleared. The Arizona Republic reports that the imams prayed in the airport waiting area before boarding the plane. On the plane, two of the imams asked for seat belt extensions, and one of them offered to give up his first class seat to another of the imams who was blind. All of this led a passenger to pass a note to a flight attendant saying the imams were acting suspiciously. Eventually the pilot, after conferring with ground personnel, decided that the imams should be removed from the flight. The Islamic civil rights group, CAIR, called for an investigation of the incident, and US Airways said it is looking into what happened.

Church of Norway Supports End of Official State Religion

The General Synod of the state Church of Norway has voted to support separation of church and state in Norway. Following on government hearings earlier this year (see prior posting), the synod voted 63-19 to end the 469-year tradition that made Lutheranism the official religion of the country. Today's International Herald Tribune reports that any change would require an amendment to Norway's constitution, and that requires action by two successive Parliaments.

European Rabbis To Set Up Divorce Enforcement Mechanism

The Rabbinical Centre of Europe based in Brussels is planning to set up a new mechanism to deal with husbands who flee to other countries in order to avoid orders of rabbinic courts in divorce cases. Under Jewish religious law, a woman may not remarry if her husband has not granted her a religious divorce ("get"). Many rabbinic judges are facing cases in which a husband who is ordered by the rabbinic court to grant his wife a divorce is instead moving to a distant Jewish community where his past is unknown. The European Jewish Press yesterday reported that now there are plans to set up a "Jewish Interpol" that will collect information from rabbinic courts throughout Europe and disseminate that information to leaders and rabbis in all Jewish communities. This will allow the Jewish community to which the person flees to pressure the husband to comply with the religious court decree. The proposal is expected to be adopted at a December conference of Jewish religious judges to be held in Brussels. The European Parliament has invited the judicial conference to hold some of its sessions in Parliament's judicial hall.

Homeland Security Poster Informs Screeners About Kirpans

On Monday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in cooperation with the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), distributed a poster to 8,700 government facilities to inform security personnel and airport screeners about the Kirpan, a dagger worn by practicing Sikhs that represents the principle of upholding justice. Reports by DNA India and by the Washington Post yesterday indicate that while Sikhs cannot take their Kirpans into government buildings or onto flights, the poster hopefully will lead to Sikhs being treated more respectfully by security personnel in looking for a Kirpan and in any confiscation of the item.

D.C. Circuit Hears Conscientious Objector Case

The Army Times through an AP article reports that yesterday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit heard oral arguments in Aguayo v. Harvey (Case No. 06-5241), a military conscientious objector case. Agustin Aguayo, an Army medic, announced his conscientious objection to war just as his unit was being deployed to Iraq. Aguayo went AWOL in order to avoid deployment. He is now being held in detention by Army authorities in Germany. His side of the story is related on his website, which links to all the legal documents in the case.

5th Circuit Grants En Banc Review Of Bible Monument Case

Last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit granted en banc review in Staley v. Harris County Texas, (Nov. 17, 2006). In August, a panel in a 2-1 decision in the case upheld an Establishment Clause challenge to a monument on the grounds of the Harris County, Texas courthouse. The monument, containing a Bible, honors a prominent Houston businessman and philanthropist. (See prior posting.) [Thanks to How Appealing for information on the decision.]

Australian Group Sues In Victoria Claiming Religious Vilification

In the Australian state of Victoria, a trial began Tuesday under Victoria's Racial and Religious Tolerance Act in a suit brought by a group known as Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO) who follow a religion known as Thelema, founded by the English poet and mystic Aleister Crowley. Today The Age reports that the case, filed in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, accuses Dr Reina Michaelson and the Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Program of vilifying OTO by describing it on its website as a satanic cult that sacrifices children. Dr Michaelson said the article was published on the website "without her knowledge or consent or authority".

A Fuller Picture Of Marines, Toys For Tots and the Jesus Dolls

Recently the media has extensively covered a decision earlier this month by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots Foundation to turn down the offer of 4,000 Jesus dolls. Then the group apparently changed its mind. Here is more background on both decisions.

Toys for Tots was approved by the Secretary of Defense in 1995 as an official activity of the U.S. Marine Corps and an official mission of the Marine Corps Reserve. This, of course, would seem to make it a governmental entity subject to the constraints of the First Amendment. So when a Los Angeles company offered to donate 4,000 Jesus dolls that recite Christian scriptural verses, the Marine-affiliated program turned them down. (AP, Nov. 15.) It said that as a government entity, the Marines do not profess one religion over another. If they distributed the dolls in their usual manner, they might end up giving the Jesus dolls to Muslim or Jewish children. Indeed, Michael La Roe, director of business development for one2believe, a division of the Valencia-based Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Co., said that the dolls were intended to be "three-dimensional teaching tools for kids".

Extensive media coverage followed. The Rutherford Institute sent the Marine Toys For Tots Foundation a letter of complaint, saying that "the refusal of the dolls sends a sinister message that gifts with religious themes or messages are not suitable or are considered second-class by a prominent charity that is intimately associated with the United States government. Christmas is, after all, a holiday with a religious basis, and the birth of Jesus is the basis of the celebration for the vast majority of Americans. Those who wish to express that aspect of the Christmas season through their giving should not be turned away and discriminated against because of their religious beliefs." It pointed out that the dolls are offered unwrapped, so parents can decline them if they do not want them for their children.

Last Wednesday, Toys For Tots changed its mind and said it would take the dolls. (Los Angeles Times.) A release today by the Jewish War Veterans suggests that the Marine Corps' "reversal" was in fact a more nuanced decision than has previously been reported. Apparently the Corps has arranged for religious groups to distribute the dolls to Christian children. Unlike many other groups, the JWV congratulated the Marine Corps Reserve both for its initial decision to reject the dolls, and its later finding an appropriate way for them to be distributed.

Decisions On Nativity Scenes On Public Property Begin To Be Made

Yesterday, the Tippecanoe County, Indiana commissioners turned down a request by a group calling itself "The Reason for the Season" that it be permitted to place a Nativity scene on the county courthouse lawn this Christmas. Proponents argued that commissioners had made the courthouse lawn an "open forum" in recent years by permitting exhibits by various charities, according to today's Lafayette (IN) Journal & Courier. Commissioners created a policy in 1999 that they would control what is displayed on the courthouse lawn. Prior to that, Nativity scenes had been placed there. Now however they permit only displays officially sponsored by the county. Some residents attending the county commission meeting complained that the county had given in to the ACLU.

Meanwhile, today's Racine (WI) Journal Times reports that Racine City Council has approved a request by Robert Wortock, backed by a group of churches, that volunteers be permitted to contruct a Nativity scene on the city's Monument Square. Now, however, the Freedom From Religion Foundation has written Mayor Gary Becker arguing that in hosting a Nativity scene, the city is endorsing a religion. A Christmas tree sponsored by the Downtown Racine Corp. will stand near the Nativity scene, and the city will place a sign nearby extending "warm season's greetings to one and all." This presumably will satisfy the requirement that a Nativity scene, accompanied by secular symbols of the season, can be permissible on public property. Racine City Council is working on a policy that will make decisions on displays such as this an administrative matter that need not come before the full Council.

Indonesia Will Keep Religion On Identity Cards

Indonesia's House of Representatives and government have agreed to continue to list religion on identity cards of Indonesians, despite protests from many who say that the practice leads to divisiveness in the country. Asia News.it reported yesterday that this decision was made as part of a larger parliamentary debate on a civil registry bill. Indonesia permits only one of six religions to be listed, and this has led to discrimination against followers of other faiths. The permissible religious identifications are Islam, Catholicism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism. [Thanks to Persecution.org for the lead.]

No Settlement Reached-- Michigan RLUIPA Case Moves Toward Trial

Today's Detroit Free Press reports that Lighthouse Community Church of God and the city of Southfield, Michigan failed to reach an agreement in an all-day facilitation hearing in U.S. District Court in Detroit yesterday. The city obtained an eviction order against the church for failing to have a certificate of occupancy for the office building it is using, and a state court upheld the city's position. This led the church to file a federal law suit alleging that the city violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. It says the city merely prefers a residential development in that area. (See prior posting.) However, the city argues the RLUIPA is unconstitutional does not apply to attempts to bypass city zoning laws.

Democrats Can Reach Out To Orthodox Jews, Leaders Say

The current New York Jewish Week that appeared last Friday carries an article analyzing opportunities that members of the new Democratic-controlled U.S. Congress have to broaden their coalition by reaching out to Orthodox Jews who have in recent years supported a number of items on the conservative agenda. Orthodox leaders say that members of the Orthodox Jewish community are swing voters, and have good working relationships with Democratic members of Congress as well as Republicans.

Somali Region Will Adopt Sharia To Replace Civil Code

BBC News yesterday reported that Mohamed Adde Muse, leader of the autonomous region of Puntland in northern Somalia, has agreed to introduce Islamic law to replace the region's current Western-based civil law system. The move appears to be directed at preventing a take over of the region by the Union of Islamic Courts that controls much of southern Somalia. [Thanks to Persecution.org for the lead.]

California Coastal Commission Approves Eruv

The California Coastal Commission last week approved for a three-year period a request by the Pacific Jewish Center in Venice to build an eruv along the beach from Santa Monica to Marina del Rey. Today's Los Angeles Times reports that the symbolic boundary that eases Sabbath restrictions for observant Jews, which consists largely of fishing line strung high off the ground between lampposts and sign poles, will also include inland areas in Santa Monica and Los Angeles. Streamers will be placed on part of the eruv to prevent the endangered bird, the least tern, from flying into it. Also the synagogue must develop a method for monitoring the impact of the eruv on the terns. (See prior posting). [Thanks to How Appealing for the lead.]

Organization Urges More Creches On Public Property

The Thomas More Law Center last week began a drive to increase the number of Nativity displays on public property this Christmas season. Announcing that it had reached an agreement with two Florida cities (Palm Beach Gardens and North Miami), the organization is urging its supporters to ask governments for permission to erect Nativity displays where they have not previously existed. Its release urging Christians to retake the public square says that a Nativity scene may constitutionality be displayed on public property so long as the display includes secular items, as well as in public forums such as parks.

Pakistan's High Court To Hear Arguments On Madrassa Grads In Legislatures

Pakistan's The News reports that today Pakistan's Supreme Court will hear arguments in an intriguing election case first filed in 2003. Under a 2002 order of Pakistan's Election Commission, any candidate for a seat in the national or in a provincial Assembly was required to hold at least a bachelor's degree be a university graduate. (Conduct Of General Elections Order, 2002, Sec. 8A.) In the 2002 general election, the Election Commission ruled that a Madrassa (Islamic religious seminary) certificate was the equivalent of a university diploma. The petition challenges that ruling and seeks to disqualify 68 Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) members of the national and provincial Assemblies.

Australian State Eschews Ban On Religious Discrimination Under Christian Pressure

In the Australian state of South Australia, the attorney general has dropped a ban on religious discrimination from a proposed Equal Opportunity Bill that is now before the state's parliament. The Australian yesterday reported that mainstream Christian churches objected to the proposed provision, concerned that it would prevent them from criticizing other religions in their attempts to convert non-believers. Now the draft merely prohibits "discrimination on the ground of religious appearance or dress". Most other Australian states and territories already ban religious discrimination.

Recent Law and Religion Articles

From SSRN:

• Gareth T. Davies, (Not Yet) Taking Rights Seriously: The House of Lords in Begum v. Headteacher and Governors of Denbigh High School, on Religious Clothing in Schools, (Nov. 13, 2006).

• Patrick McKinley Brennan, The Decreasing Ontological Density of the State in Catholic Social Doctrine, (Villanova Law Review, Scarpa Symposium, Vol. 52, 2007).
  
  
• John Finnis, Religion and State: Some Main Issues and Sources, (American Journal of Jurisprudence, Vol. 51, 2006).

From Bepress:

• Edward R. Fluet, Mark J. Calaguas, and Cristina M. Drost, Legal Pluralism & Women's Rights: A Study in Post-Colonial Tanzania, (September 2006).

Recently published in law reviews (in part from SmartCILP):

• Symposium: Text, Tradition, and Reason in Comparative Perspective. Introduction by Adam Seligman and Suzanne Last Stone; articles by Michael Puett, Hanina Ben-Menahem, Silvio Ferrari, Asifa Quraishi, Christine Hayes, Asma Barlas, Yaakov Elman, Marion Holmes Katz, Arye Edrei, Shlomo Fischer, Steven D. Fraade, Paul W. Kahn, Ronald R. Garet and Jeremy Waldron. 28 Cardozo Law Review 1-332 (2006).

• Michael Stokes Paulsen, Is St. Paul Unconstitutional?, 23 Constitutional Commentary 1-5 (2006).

9th Circuit Dismisses Challenge To UC's Religious Studies Courses

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in LaFreniere v. Regents of the University of California, (9th Cir., Nov. 15, 2006), has affirmed the dismissal of an Establishment Clause challenge to the offering of religious studies courses by the University of California. In a short opinion, the court said that plaintiff failed to allege facts showing that the course offerings advanced a non-secular purpose, had the primary effect of advancing or inhibiting religion, and fostered an excessive government entanglement with religion.

A Call For More Diverse City Council Invocations In Lowell, MA

In Lowell, Massachusetts, the 40 year tradition of opening city council meetings with the Lord's Prayer is being questioned. Today's Boston Globe reports that an interfaith-- though largely Christian-- group of religious leaders wants Council to rotate its opening invocation between prayers representing each of the world's major religions-- Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Lowell, which for many years was predominantly Catholic, now has a much more diverse population. The number of Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims is growing rapidly. Some city council members do not like the proposal. Council member Rita Mercier said: "They call us a melting pot. But if you melt something, you lose its identity." A subcommittee will meet to discuss the proposal this Tuesday, and will report to the entire council at the end of December. Meanwhile, some are suggesting a compromise: recite the Lord's Prayer at the beginning of each meeting, and a rotating prayer from another tradition at the end.

President Bush Attends Church In Hanoi

President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, in Vietnam for a regional summit meeting, today attended Christian church services in Hanoi. After services the President spoke briefly (full text), saying in part: "it's our way of expressing our personal faith and, at the same time, urging societies to feel comfortable with, and confident in saying to their people, if you feel like praising God you're allowed to do so in any way you see fit." Last week, the U.S. State Department removed Vietnam from its list of most egregious violators of religious liberty. (See prior posting.) Today's India eNews covered the President's statement.

Los Angeles Pedophile Priest Claims Move Toward Trial

Yesterday's Los Angeles Times reports that after a three-year freeze imposed during settlement negotiations, a Los Angeles (CA) Superior Court judge has released more than 100 law suits against the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles. This means that discovery may begin and trial dates can be set. The claims all involve allegations that 32 pedophile priests were sent to therapy and then transferred rather than being reported to authorities and parishioners. These cases comprise about 20% of the suits that have been filed. A number of the claims have already been settled or are nearing settlement. Also this week, in one of the cases the court ruled that plaintiffs could not gain access to 20 confidential documents containing psychiatric information about a priest in church personnel files.

Senate Condemns Iranian Repression of Baha'is

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate passed S. Con. Res. 101, a concurrent resolution condemning the repression of the Iranian Baha'i community and calling for their emancipation. The House of Representatives has already passed an identical resolution (H. Con. Res. 415). (See prior posting.)

One Establishment Clause Claim Survives After Second Las Cruces Decision

As reported last week, a New Mexico federal district court dismissed a lawsuit by school parent Paul Weinbaum claiming that the city of Las Cruces, New Mexico unconstitutionally endorsed religion by adopting as the city's symbol an emblem consisting of three crosses surrounded by a sunburst. However, on the same day it decided that issue, the court handed down a second decision that kept alive some aspects of the dispute over the display of Latin Crosses to symbolize Las Cruces. In Weinbaum v. Las Cruces Public Schools, 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 83311 (D NM, Nov. 9, 2006), Paul Weinbaum challenged as Establishment Clause violations the Las Cruces schools' use of an emblem containing a sunburst and three crosses on maintenance vehicles; a sculpture depicting three stylized crosses displayed at the school system's regional sports complex; and the school board's policy on "Religion in the Curriculum".

In a lengthy opinion, the court found that neither the sculpture nor the school's curriculum policy violated the Establishment Clause. However it refused to grant summary judgment to the school board on the emblem claim. It said that the defendants, at least so far, had failed to produce any evidence on whether the predominant purpose in displaying the emblem was secular.

The court ended its opinion with an admonition similar to one at the end of its earlier opinion on the city emblem:

Mr. Weinbaum, a man of conviction, brought this suit hoping to make his community, a better, more welcoming, place. Sadly, it has come to the Court's attention that the opposite has occurred, that his child has been made to suffer for the position her father has taken. If that is true, or if, as a result of this decision it comes true, then shame on us all.

Christmas Food Tradition Trumps Inclusiveness In British School

The Yorkshire Post reports a story that shows how dedicated the British are to traditional Christmas fare. In a school in South Yorkshire, Head Teacher Jan Charters discovered that her attempt to be inclusive during the Christmas season was not appreciated by everyone. Twenty per cent of the students at Rotherham's Oakwood Comprehensive school are Muslims of Asian background. Charters proposed that the menu for the school's traditional Christmas lunch feature only chicken-- and that it be Halal so all students could feel comfortable eating it. She would have also offered as an optional side dish a sausage rolled in bacon-- which Muslim students could decline. However apparently traditional Christmas dinner in England features turkey. Parents, backed by Labour MP Denis MacShane, had a problem with requiring all the Oakwood students to eat Halal chicken. They said it would "undermine the traditional British Christmas". So Charters has given in to their request, and now there will be a choice of turkey, a vegetarian dish, or Halal chicken to celebrate the holiday.

South Carolina County May Repeal "Blue Laws"

Anderson County, South Carolina is one of 40 counties in the state that still have "blue laws". Residents may not buy anything except groceries and medicines before 1:30 p.m. on Sundays. However, according to today's Anderson Independent-Mail, every year (including this year) the city and county councils lift the Sunday shopping ban for the Christmas season. This move makes holiday shopping more convenient and lets local merchants compete with those in surrounding areas that can open earlier. Next week, Anderson County Councilman Michael G. Thompson plans to introduce legislation to eliminate the county's Sunday closing ban year-round.

Ohio High School Gives Independent Study Credit To Faith-Based Classes

Friday's Columbus Dispatch reports that an Ohio high school may have found a loophole in the constitutional ban against teaching of religion in public schools. Upper Arlington High School has approved independent-study academic credit for 25 students enrolled in an English and a History class that meet at a local Baptist church. Using Christian educational materials published by Veritas Press, the classes are not taught by public school teachers. Students pay for their own books and pay $600 tuition to cover teachers' salaries and class materials. School administrators say they have no problem with the courses so long as they teach the skills required by state standards. However, Rick Dickinson, general counsel for the Ohio School Boards Association, says he believes that independent-study classes are subject to the same Establishment Clause constraints as other courses taught in the public schools. [Thanks to Blog from the Capital for the lead.]

Satire Directed At Pope Troubles Italians

Sharp satire directed Pope Benedict XVI and his personal secretary, Msgr. Georg Gänswein, on Italian radio and television has provoked a good deal of criticism. Articles yesterday in the Catholic News Service and the New York Times recount many of the comic skits. Carlo Cardia, a professor of ecclesiastical law at the University of Rome, wrote in L’Avvenire (a newspaper owned by the Italian Bishops’ Conference): "Perhaps there is the secret intention to see if the church will respond like some Muslims responded to the satirical cartoons or to articles that criticize Islam, to then scream scandal."

Islamic Veil Continues To Spark Political Controversy

Wearing of veils and burqas by Islamic women continues to be a hot button political issue around the world. In the Netherlands on Friday, five days before national elections, Immigration Minister Rita Verdonk announced that the government plans to introduce legislation to ban the burqa and similar garments in public places. The New York Times reports the Dutch government is concerned that a terrorist might use such garments to get beyond security checkpoints.

Meanwhile, AFP reported today that in Egypt the powerful Islamic Brotherhood has called for Parliament to dismiss Culture Minister Faruq Hosni because of remarks he made critical of Islamization. In an interview published on Thursday, the Culture Minister criticized the growing number of women in Egypt who are wearing the veil. He said, "There was an age when our mothers went to university and worked without the veil. It is in that spirit that we grew up. So why this regression?"

The Montreal Gazette yesterday published an AP story, surveying the debate in the Muslim world, titled Veil or Not to Veil?.

House Praises Christmas Tree Industry

Back from its break for the November elections, the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday passed H.J. Res. 96 recognizing the important contribution of the live-cut Christmas tree industry to the United States economy.

U.N. Day Of Tolerance Brings Out Star Wars Fans

Yesterday was the United Nations International Day of Tolerance. Secretary General Kofi Annan released a message (full text) calling for countries to combat religious intolerance through both law and education. Meanwhile in England, two Star Wars film fans marched on the UN's London headquarters asking for the international body to recognize the Jedi Knights as one of the world's religions. One of the protesters, John Wilkinson called on the UN Association to change November 16 — the International Day of Tolerance — to the Interstellar Day of Tolerance. Reporting on this, The Sun says that in the 2001 United Kingdom census, 390,000 people listed their religion as Jedi Knights. This would make it the fourth largest religious group in Britain. The U.N.'s response to all of this was that they are not in the business of certifying religions. (The Raw Story).

First Muslim Congressman Gets Attention

The Houston Chronicle today says that newly elected Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison is quickly becoming a national symbol in the Muslim community. As the first Muslim member of Congress, he is also receiving international attention. Ellison, who was born a Catholic, converted to become a Sunni Muslim while he was a student at Wayne State University in Detroit.

The State of Religious Freedom In Turkey Reviewed

Catholic News Service yesterday distributed a long article on the state of religious freedom in Turkey. The country's constitution guarantees religious freedom and a 1923 treaty guarantees religious minorities can operate religious and charitable institutions. However minority religious communities are not recognized as legal entities that can hold property, and restrictions on private religious higher education prevent opening of seminaries in Turkey. In order to maintain secularism in the country, the government exerts extensive control over Islam. It builds and funds mosques, hires Muslim prayer leaders, controls religious education and bans religious head coverings in public offices and universities. Pope Benedict XVI will visit Turkey at the end of this month, and it is expected that he will press for greater religious freedom for minority religions.

Mexican President's Visit To Bishop's Conference Is Controversial

Mexico's President Vincente Fox made an unprecedented visit yesterday to the plenary assembly of the episcopal conference of Catholic bishops being held in Lago de Guadalupe. Zenit reports that the bishops, responding to media criticism of the visit, issued a statement saying they wished to be of service to all of Mexico. Zenit says that another milestone in Church-state relations in Mexico will occur when President-elect Felipe Calderón talks with the bishops on Friday.

Bill To Mandate Teaching About Religion Introduced In Russia's Duma

In Russia, amendments to the Freedom of Conscience Act were introduced in the State Duma yesterday by Alexander Krutov, deputy of the Rodina (Motherland) faction. Kommersant today reports that the bill seeks to mandate the teaching of a course in Russian schools on the essentials of Orthodox culture. Russia's Education and Science Ministry opposes making the course mandatory. The course is now widely offered as an elective. (See prior postings 1, 2.)

Objector To License Photo Requirement May Sue For Injunction

In Martin v. State of Oklahoma, 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 83015 (ED OK, Nov. 14, 2006), an Orthodox Jew who objected on religious grounds to having his photo taken sued for monetary and injunctive relief after the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety refused to renew his non-photo commercial drivers license. The court dismissed a number of the claims on 11th Amendment and qualified immunity grounds, but allowed plaintiff to proceed with his claim for prospective injunctive relief.

Religious Freedom Issues In Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan

In recent days, a number of stories have surfaced regarding the state of religious freedom in republics of the Former Soviet Union. In Azerbaijan, as representatives of the Muslim community participated in a conference to celebrate the country's commitment to religious tolerance (Today.az), Pravo reported that women studying at Sumgait State University were told that they would not be allowed into classes if they insisted on wearing headscarfs.

In Kazakhstan, authorities want to evict a cultural center belonging to the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). According to IndianMuslims.info, at a recent meeting held in Almaty the deputy director of the Kazakh government Religion Committee said that Hindus do not have a place in Kazakhstan.

Forum18 reports on two other incidents in Kazakhstan. One report says that fines are being imposed on members of the Tabligh Jama'at, an international Islamic missionary organization, for preaching in mosques that are not registered with the state. Another report says that a Presbyterian pastor in Kyzyl-Orda has been unable to renew his visa. The South Korean pastor who led a congregation for eight years was forced to leave the country because he conducted missionary work without registration.

How Far Can Professional Sports Go In Accommodating Religious Practices?

New York's Jewish Week today carries a long story about Benjamin Rubin, a 17 year old Orthodox Jewish hockey player for the Quebec Remparts. He made the team with an understanding that he would not play or practice on the Sabbath or Jewish holidays. This means that the left-winger will miss about half of the team's games this season. The article explores at length whether it is possible for professional sports teams to make the kind of accommodations required by practicing Jews like Rubin.

Lower House Of Pakistan Parliament Approves Change In Hudood Ordinance

Reuters yesterday reported that the lower house of Pakistan's Parliament has finally approved the Women's Protection Bill that places the crime of rape under the civil penal code, instead of solely under Islamic law. This means that it will no longer require testimony of four male witnesses to prove rape. In a concession to conservatives, the bill also imposes punishment of up to five years in prison for extra-marital sex. However, Islamist lawmakers walked out of Parliament before the vote on the amendments was taken, arguing that this change to the Hudood Ordinances will encourage free sex in the country. The upper house of Pakistan's Parliament must still approve the bill. Human rights activists in Pakistan have been pressing for total repeal of these laws, not just for their amendment. Spero News furnishes extensive background. (See prior related postings: 1, 2, 3. )

Church's Proposed Charter School Stirs Controversy

Today's Willamette Week Online reports on an interesting dispute in North Portland, Oregon over an application by Mount Olivet Baptist Church to create a publicly supported charter school, the Academy of Character and Ethics. Portland Board of Education leaders are concerned about the proposed school's financing, the sustainability of its leadership and the originality of its proposed curriculum. A number of parents, however have different kinds of concerns-- how the church's religious beliefs will influence the school's curriculum and atmosphere. The church's leaders have been known for their active opposition to gay marriage. School backers, however, say they will integrate character lessons into the curriculum in a completely secular manner. A school board subcommittee hearing on the charter application is scheduled for today.

En Banc Appeal Sought In Boise Homeless Shelter Case

The city of Boise, Idaho has petitioned for en banc review by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals of a recent panel decision holding that the Boise Rescue Mission cannot conduct religious services at the homeless shelter that it operates on city-owned property. (See prior posting.) The panel also found that BRM's men-only policy for its shelter is facially discriminatory and likely violates the Fair Housing Act. Yesterday, KBCI News reported that critics say that the mayor and city council are making the homeless crisis worse by pursuing the appeal. They urge the city to operate a secular shelter for families in order to solve the problem.

Court Grants Churches Exemption From Minnesota Concealed Carry Law

Hennepin County, Minnesota District Judge William Howard on Tuesday issued a permanent injunction permitting churches to ban firearms from their property used for religious purposes, including parking lots and space leased to tenants, without complying with the elaborate notice requirements applicable to commercial establishments under Minnesota' concealed carry firearms law. The permanent injunction extends a temporary injuction issued by another judge last year. The decision says that freedom of conscience and association provisions in the state and U.S. Constitutions exempt churches from the statutory requirement to either post a specifically worded sign or give individual notice to people entering the building in order to exclude firearms. Instead churches can notify individuals of the ban in any way they wish to. This will allow Edina's Community Lutheran Church to continue to bar firearms with signs reading: "Blessed are the peacemakers. Firearms are prohibited in this place of sanctuary" instead of the language required in the statute. Reports by the Associated Press and the Minneapolis Star Tribune give details on the decision.

Arrests Made In Religious Worker Visa Scam

USA Today reports on the arrest of 29 immigrants, mostly Pakistanis, who are charged with posing as Muslim religious workers to qualify for special visas to enter the United States. The arrests in a number of eastern U.S. cities are part of an investigation into organizations that posed as religious groups and allegedly filed false visa applications for immigrants under the Religious Worker Program. That program permits religious organizations to sponsor immigrants with specific religious training and experience. Last July, the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services said the Religious Worker Program was "historically considered to have a high fraud rate." This morning's Boston Globe reports that two imams from Boston-area mosques were arrested on charges of involvement with the visa scheme. Local Muslims expressed skepticism about the charges, suggesting that many of the immigrants were probably religious workers who had taken on additional outside employment to supplement their low salary as religious scholars.

Injunction Lets College Christian Group Keep Recognition While Issue Is Litigated

On Monday, a temporary injunction while litigation proceeds was issued by consent of the parties in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship-UW Superior v. The Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, (WD WI, Nov. 13, 2006). The order allows IVCF, while the lawsuit is still in court, to use religious criteria in selecting its leaders, and to impose religious-based rules of conduct on those leaders, without losing the benefits available to recognized student groups. Yesterday the Alliance Defense Fund issued a release discussing this development. (Also see prior posting.)

10th Circuit Hears Arguments In "Seven Aphorisms" Cases

Yesterday, the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals heard consolidated oral arguments in five cases in which the Summum church has sued the cities of Duchesne and Pleasant Grove, Utah, claiming that the church should be able to put up a monument containing its Seven Aphorisms next to Ten Commandment monuments in city parks. Summum v. Duchesne City was an appeal of a 2004 Utah federal district court decision (LEXIS) rejecting Summum's requests. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Summum attorney Brian Barnard argued that city officials violated the church's First Amendment rights by favoring one form of speech over another. Subsequently however the city transferred the land on which the 10 Commandments monument stands to a private owner. The city says that now it has no authority to permit Summum to place a display on the property.

The Deseret News reports that a second case under review involved a similar refusal by the City of Pleasant Grove. (See prior posting.) Attorney Barnard said Pleasant Grove has allowed the Boy Scouts to put up a monument to fallen 9/11 firefighters near the Ten Commandments in the city park, but has rejected Summum's request.

New Jersey Teacher Brings Christian Views Into History Class

In Newark, New Jersey, a high school student has taped his history classes to show that teacher David Paszkiewicz, who is also a Baptist preacher, is using class to promote his Christian religious beliefs. Today's Newark Star-Ledger reports that Kearny High School junior Matthew LaClair has complained to school administrators about the class. CD recordings reveal Paszkiewicz telling students that if they do not accept Jesus, they belong in Hell. He has emphasized creationism and dismissed evolution and the "Big Bang" as unscientific. Paszkiewicz also told his students that dinosaurs were on Noah's ark. School Superintendent Robert Mooney said Paszkiewicz is "a wonderful teacher". He said he was aware of the issues raised by LaClair and that corrective action would be taken.

Christian Invocation At Florida City Council Again On Agenda

In Crystal River, Florida, Mayor Ron Kitchen opens every session of city council with an explicitly Christian prayer. Last June, two city council members who wanted to stop the practice and instead begin with merely a moment of silence were outvoted. But now, according to today's St. Petersburg Times, with a change in membership on City Council, the issue is again on the agenda for December's Council meeting.

Washington Think Tank Will Promote Science, Oppose Religion In Public Policy

Today's Washington Post reports that a group of scientists and supporters of church-state separation have announced the creation of a new Washington Office of Public Policy created by the Center For Inquiry Transnational. The office will act as a think tank supporting science-based decision making and humanistic values in U.S. public policy decision making. It will also become involved in litigation on issues of interest to it. At its press conference yesterday, the nonpartisan group was particularly critical of Bush administration policies on stem cell research, global warming, abstinence-only sex education and the teaching of intelligent design. The new office is part of an existing organization whose website describe its purpose as promoting and defending reason, science and freedom of inquiry. It is "interested in providing rational ethical alternatives to the reigning paranormal and religious systems of belief..."

Seminarian Wins Preliminary Injunction Permitting Picketing of Wal-Mart

Yesterday's Shreveport Times reported that on Monday a Louisiana federal district court granted a preliminary injunction barring the enforcement of three Natchitoches, LA ordinances against Edwin Crayton, a Christian seminary student who opposes gay marriage on religious grounds. Crayton wished to picket a Wal-Mart store in Natchitoches, believing that Wal-Mart supports gay marriage rights. However he was told that he needed a permit from the mayor and police chief in order to protest on a public sidewalk in front of the store. His lawsuit alleges (full text of complaint) that the city's permit ordinances are unconstitutional because they grant excessive discretion to the mayor and police chief, they are not narrowly tailored to further a legitimate governmental interest, and, in any event, he did not engage in a public gathering or open-air meeting-- the activities covered by the ordinances. The case is Crayton v. City of Natchitoches, Civ. Action No. 06-1946-A (WD LA, Nov. 13, 2006).

Today's 365 Gay reports that other Christian groups have also criticized Wal-Mart's LGBT diversity program, including its definition of an employee's "immediate family" to include a same-sex partner.

Rabbi At Center of RLUIPA Fight Profiled By Paper

Yesterday's Marin (CA) Independent Journal profiles Rabbi Lavey Derby, who is leading Tiburon, California's Congregation Kol Shofar in its RLUIPA battle over a permit for the expansion of the congregation's facilities. (See prior posting.) Rabbi Derby said, "We raised RLUIPA when it became clear the town was not understanding the real issues at stake here. They were good at understanding neighbors, but they weren't understanding the religious institution's stake here." Reflecting on the zoning controversy, Derby said: "I'm learning I'm becoming a more spiritually mature person through this experience."

UPDATE: The Nov. 16 Marin Independent Journal reports that Tiburon's Town Council has unanimously approved a set of compromise recommendations on the expansion of Kol Shofar synagogue.

Heir To Japan's Imperial Throne Presented At Shinto Shrine

The two-month old heir to Japan's imperial throne was presented yesterday at a traditional ceremony in a Shinto shrine on the grounds of the imperial palace. Prince Hisahito is the first male heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne born in 40 years. Reuters and Australia's Herald Sun report on the event.

South Africa's National Assembly Approves Gay Marriage Over Religious Objections

South Africa's National Assembly today approved by a vote of 230-41 (with 3 abstentions) a controversial Civil Unions Bill that would make the country the first in Africa to approve same-sex marriage. The bill permits marriage officials to refuse to perform a same-sex marriage ceremony on religious or personal grounds. (Voice of America).

African Christian Democratic Party leader Kenneth Meshoe condemned the action in religious terms. The Mail & Guardian reports that he called the passage of the bill the saddest day in Parliament's history. He said that God considered homosexuality "an abomination". He warned that voting in favor of same-sex marriage was a rejection of God's laws, and said that MPs who did so would face divine wrath. The National Council of Provinces also needs to approve the Bill for it to become effective. Last year, South Africa's Constitutional Court ruled that the 1996 Constitution's prohibition on sexual orientation discrimination guarantees the right of gay men and lesbians to marry. The court gave the government until December 1 to extend marital rights to all same-sex couples.

State Department Drops Vietnam, Adds Uzbekistan, As "Countries of Particular Concern"

Yesterday, the United States Department of State removed Vietnam from its list of "countries of particular concern" under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, according to the Washington Post. The move comes as President George W. Bush is about to leave for Hanoi for a regional summit. John Hanford, the U.S. ambassador at large for religious freedom, said that Vietnam has made significant strides in protecting religious freedom. This is the first time that a country has been removed from the list of those that engage in severe violations of religious freedom. At the same time, the State Department added Uzbekistan to its list.

UPDATE: Here is the transcript of the State Department's press briefing on its submission to Congress of 2006 Designations of Countries of Particular Concern. [Thanks to Blog from the Capital.]

Two Suits Are Filed Seeking VA Approval Of Wiccan Grave Markers

Following on a suit filed by the ACLU in September, yesterday Americans United for Separation of Church and State announced that it has filed two lawsuits seeking U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) approval of the Pentacle as a permissible symbol on memorial markers of Wiccan veterans buried in national cemeteries. The VA has approved symbols of 38 other faiths, but has delayed for years a ruling on requests by families of Wiccan veterans.

In Circle Sanctuary v. Nicholson, (full text of complaint) two widows, along with two Wiccan organizations, are asking a Wisconsin federal district court to rule that the VA is violating the First and Fifth Amendments, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the Administrative Procedure Act by refusing to issue any decision on the Pentacle applications and by discriminatorily maintaining a list of government approved religions. The same parties also filed suit in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (full text of complaint) challenging the constitutionality of the VA's Emblems of Beliefs Rule that limits the religious emblems that can be placed on grave markers in veterans' cemeteries. The complaint charges that the rule violates the Establishment, Free Exercise, Free Speech and Due Process Clauses of the U.S. Constitution. The Associated Press yesterday reported on the cases.

Pakistan Province Again Tries To Enact Hisbah Bill

Yesterday, the Regional Assembly of Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) passed the controversial "Hisbah (Hasba)" or "Accountability" Bill creating an Islamic official, called a Mohtasib, to enforce Islamic values and etiquette. The bill also creates a "Hisbah Force", a corps of Islamic morality police, who operate under the direction of the Mohtasib. Spero News yesterday carried an excellent article on the tortuous history of the bill in the NWFP, and on the bill's provisions. Parts of a nearly identical bill passed last July were declared unconstitutional by Pakistan's Supreme Court. However, members of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal, a coalition of six Islamist parties, passed the bill again, angered over the bombing of an Islamic seminary last month.

Article 23 of the bill gives extensive jurisdiction to the Mohtasib's office. For example, he is to discourage exhibition of extravagance; discourage beggary; discourage employment of under-age children; remove unnecessary delay in discharge of undisputed civil liabilities; prevent cruelty to animals; prevent misuse of loud-speakers and sectarian speeches; discourage un-Islamic and inhuman customs; check indecent behavior in public places including harassment of women; protect rights of minorities and the sanctity of their religious places; eliminate un-Islamic traditions affecting the rights of women, particularly Honor killings; monitor weights and measures; eliminate bribery; advise those found to be disobedient to their parents; and mediate among parties and tribes in matters pertaining to murders and similar crimes.

Spero News reports that Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf is highly unlikely to permit the governor of NWFP to sign the Hisbah Bill.

UPDATE: Pakistan's Federal Information Minister, Mohammad Ali Durrani, said on Tuesday that the NWFP's Hasba (Hisba) bill would again be referred to the country's Supreme Court if it appears to violate constitutional standards. The bill faces particular opposition from Pakistan's Christian community. (Asia News.it).

UPDATE: On Wednesday, a petition was filed with Pakistan's Supreme Court by Maulvi Iqbal Haider, chairman of Awami Himayat Tehrik, asking the court to restrain the NWFP governor from assenting the recently-passed Hasba Bill. (DAWN).