Religion Clause

Monday, February 23, 2009

Timothy Dolan Named Archbishop of New York

Pope Benedict XVI today appointed 59-year old Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan to be the new Archbishop of New York. AP reports that Dolan, who succeeds retiring Cardinal Edward Egan, is a defender of Catholic orthodoxy. Dolan has a doctorate in Church History form the Catholic University of America and for seven years was rector of the North American College in Rome. Dolan is well known for his calls to end abortion, comparing it to the moral urgency of ending slavery. However he does not deny communion to Catholic legislators who support abortion rights, saying it is up to each person to decide whether to take communion. In 2004 Dolan was among those archbishops who publicly released the names of priests credibly accused of sexual abuse, though critics say he has not done enough to expose abusing priests in independent religious orders who work in his archdiocese.

Lawsuit Charges Scientology Is Responsible For Man's Suicide

Saturday's St. Petersburg (FL) Times reported on a new lawsuit filed in federal district court in Tampa (FL) against the Church of Scientology and against three individuals. The wrongful death lawsuit seeks damages for the death of Kyle Brennan who committed suicide while visiting his father, a Scientologist who lives in Clearwater (FL). Brennan's mother blames Scientology for the death. The lawsuit alleges that Denise Gentile, twin sister of the Scientology's worldwide leader David Miscavige, (along with her husband Gerald Gentile) convinced Brennan's father to take away Kyle's antidepressant medication. Scientology is strongly opposed to psychiatry and psychiatric medications. The lawyer handling the case, Ken Dandar, previously won a confidential settlement in another long-running high profile wrongful death suit against the Church of Scientology.

City Homeless Shelter Now Operated By Church With Required Prayer

In Hammond, Indiana, a new arrangement between the city and First Baptist Church of Hammond raises interesting church-state issues. Yesterday's Munster (IN) Times reports that when the city-owned Calumet Area Warming Shelter was about to close, the city negotiated an arrangement with First Baptist Church for the church to operate the homeless shelter at church expense while the city retains ownership of the building. The Church is within walking distance of the shelter. Under new rules imposed by the Church, a resident must attend a specified number religious services offered by First Baptist, or church services elsewhere, in order to eat or stay at the shelter. Residents and shelter officials have somewhat different accounts of the number of services at which attendance is required. So far three people have been asked to leave the shelter for non-attendance (or leaving services early) since the Church began operating the shelter as part of its City Rescue Mission Ministry last December 31. [Thanks to Scott Mange for the lead.]

Justice Department Settles RLUIPA/ Housing Suit With Nashville, TN

The current issue of Religious Freedom In Focus (the newsletter of Justice Department's Civil Rights Division) announces the recent settlement of the Justice Department's civil rights suit against Nashville (TN) that alleged both disability and religious discrimination. The lawsuit claimed violations of the Fair Housing Act and of RLUIPA in Nashville's denial of zoning approval for a residential treatment center to Teen Challenge, a Christian substance abuse program. The consent decree in United States v. Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee, (MD TN, Feb. 5, 2009), among other things requires Nashville to appoint an FHA and RLUIPA Compliance Officer. It also requires Nashville to give fair housing and RLUIPA training to various of its employees. Nashville will pay a $20,000 civil penalty and damages of $50,000 to individual plaintiffs. Teen Challenge itself has already won a significant jury verdict in the case. (See prior posting.)

Loooking Inside Bible Course In Tennessee High School

Yesterday's Chatanooga (TN) Times Free Press reports on what goes on inside the classroom during teaching of the course on the Bible and its influence on literature, art, music, culture, and politics, authorized by a 2008 law enacted by the Tennessee legislature. (See prior posting.) In the Marion County classroom of high school teacher John Paulsen, many of the copies of the Bible used as a textbook were purchased with funds donated by churches. Paulsen challenges students to think about religion scientifically and to think of science religiously. He walks a fine line, urging students to decide for themselves whether various miracles in the Bible are reported accurately, or are a form of religious mythology.

Recent Prisoner Free Exercise Cases

In Allen v. Hense, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 11363 (ED CA, Feb. 3, 2009), a California federal magistrate judge concluded that a Muslim inmate had not shown a substantial burden on free exercise in alleging that he was served two meals that did not meet his religious dietary requirements and was met with racial and religious comments when he complained.

In Ashanti v. Tilton, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 11899 (ED CA, Feb. 18, 2009), a California federal magistrate judge recommended that a preliminary injunction issue requiring a Muslim prisoner to be served a kosher diet to satisfy his religious needs until a proposed Halal meat diet plan is implemented by the prison system. However the magistrate judge recommended denying relief on plaintiff's claim that separate worship space for Muslims should be provided.

In State ex rel. Myers v. Smith, (WI Ct. App., Feb. 18, 2009), a Wisconsin court of appeals affirmed a trial court's dismissal of a prisoner's complaint because it was directed at the wrong individual. In the case, a Wiccan prisoner was attempting to obtain access to a book he argued was needed for spiritual purposes, but which prison authorities claimed was pornographic. The court also agreed that his suit was frivolous and that he could not circumvent regulations by attempting to obtain the book through discovery to prepare his case.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Clinton's Visit To China De-emphasizes Religious Rights Issues

On Friday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton travelling in Asia held a news conference in Seoul, South Korea (full text) as she was about to leave for China. As reported by AFP, human rights activists were upset by her statements that she would not let human rights concerns interfere with U.S.-Chinese cooperation on the economic crisis, climate change and security issues. As Clinton put it:

We know that we're going to press them to reconsider their position about Tibetan religious and cultural freedom, and autonomy for the Tibetans and some kind of recognition or acknowledgment of the Dalai Lama. And we know what they're going to say, because I've had those conversations for more than a decade with Chinese leaders.

Reuters reports today that Clinton ended her visit in China by attending services at a government-approved church. She also spoke with women's rights activists. These activities were aimed at showing Clinton's commitment to civil and religious rights without offending the Chinese government.

Op-Ed Suggests Compromise On Same-Sex Marriage

An op-ed in today's New York Times suggests an innovative compromise on the divisive issue of gay marriage. This is the crux of the proposal made by David Blankenhorn and Jonathan Rausch:

Congress would bestow the status of federal civil unions on same-sex marriages and civil unions granted at the state level, thereby conferring upon them most or all of the federal benefits and rights of marriage. But there would be a condition: Washington would recognize only those unions licensed in states with robust religious-conscience exceptions, which provide that religious organizations need not recognize same-sex unions against their will. The federal government would also enact religious-conscience protections of its own. All of these changes would be enacted in the same bill.

British Baroness Urges New Requirements To Stop Muslim Polygamy In UK

In Britain, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, the Conservative Party’s shadow minister for community cohesion has called for the government to require all religious marriages to be civilly registered within four weeks of being performed. Warsi, herself a Muslim, is pressing for this reform in order to stop Muslim men from taking more than one wife. Currently some Muslim men get around the British ban on polygamy by marrying a first wife in a registered, civil law ceremony and then taking additional wives only in an unregistered religious service. UAE's The National today reports on Warsi's complaint that "cultural sensitivity" is preventing the government from taking action against the increasing incidence of polygamy in Britain. Manzoor Moghal, chairman of the Muslim Forum, however, argues that British Muslims should be able to continue their religious and cultural practices without governmental interference.

Christian Science Wants Health Care Reform To Include Their Practitioners

Yesterday's Ft. Worth (TX) Star Telegram reports that Christian Scientists are monitoring proposed health care reforms because of their interest in insurance coverage for treatment by Christian Science practitioners who treat patients through prayer. Phil Davis, spokesman for the religion, says that accommodations are already made by Medicare, Medicaid, military insurance and federal employees’ insurance. In the Massachusetts, insurance covers stays in Christian Science facilities, but not care by private-duty nurses or practitioners.

Vatican Protests Israeli TV Segment Ridiculing Jesus and Mary

Yesterday's Jerusalem Post reports that the Vatican has filed a complaint with Israel's foreign ministry over an offensive satiric segment broadcast last week on Israeli late-night TV. Israel's Channel 10 comedian Lior Shlein aired the piece in response to the Vatican's lifting of the excommunication of Holocaust-denier, Bishop Richard Williamson. (See prior posting.) The offending piece questioned Jesus' virgin birth and ridiculed the claim that Jesus walked on water by saying "he was so fat he was ashamed to leave the house, let alone go to the Sea of Galilee..." The Vatican complained that Mary and Joseph were "ridiculed with blasphemous words and images" that amounted to a "vulgar and offensive act of intolerance toward the religious sentiments of the believers in Christ." Shlein apologized live on Wednesday, Channel 10 has assured the Israeli foreign ministry that the segment will not be aired again, and the station's attorney has sent a letter of apology to the attorney for a Christian group that was offended. This YouTube clip appears to be the satirical segment that generated the Vatican's concern. [Thanks to Joel Katz for the lead.]

Opinion Available In Mt. Tenaabo Gold Mine Case

The full opinion in South Fork Band v. U.S. Department of Interior, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 12000 (D NV, Feb. 3, 2009), has now become available. As previously reported, in the case a Nevada federal district court denied a preliminary injunction to prevent Barrick Gold Corp. from beginning to dig a 2,000-foot deep open pit mine on Nevada's Mount Tenabo. (See prior posting.) In the full opinion, the court found that RFRA applies to the case, even though it involves the government's management of its own land. The court found that the tribes bringing suit had standing to do so on their own behalf as well as under the standards of associational standing. However the court found that plaintiffs had not, so far, demonstrated a substantial burden on their religious exercise because they will continue to have access to religiously significant areas. The court also rejected claims under the Federal Land Policy And Management Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. The decision has been appealed to the 9th circuit. (See prior posting.)

Saturday, February 21, 2009

California Firefighters Win Damages After Being Forced Into Gay Pride Parade

On Tuesday, a San Diego, California jury awarded four San Diego firefighters damages totalling $34,300 for emotional distress resulting from their being required to participate in San Diego’s 2007 annual Gay Pride parade. Catholic News Agency reports that the four were required to ride in uniform in the parade in their fire truck. They were taunted by sexual remarks and gestures by individuals along the parade route. This was the second trial in the suit against the city. The first trial last October ended with a hung jury. (See prior posting.)

Britain Excludes Westboro Baptist Protesters

Britain's Border Agency this week banned entry into the country of Westboro Baptist Church leaders Fred Phelps and Shirley Phelps-Roper. (BBC News and Kansas City Star). Westboro Baptist has gained notoriety for picketing funerals of veterans in the U.S. with signs denouncing America's toleration of homosexuality. (ADL Report.) In Britain, the pair had planned to picket a drama, The Laramie Project, being performed at Queen Mary's College in Basingstoke. The play focuses on the death of gay student Matthew Shepard, killed in 1998 in Laramie, Wyoming. Phelps-Roper said she would encourage different Westboro member to enter Britain and carry out the planned demonstration. BBC News reports today that only one picketer showed up, and he was heckled away by counter-protesters.

Counsellor Sues After Suspension For Taking Teens To Religious Performance

The Orange County Register and a press release from Pacific Justice Institute report on a religious discrimination lawsuit begun in Orange County (CA) last week. The suit was filed in Superior Court by a counsellor employed by the county-owned Orangewood Children's Home. It charges that plaintiff was suspended for six weeks without pay for taking four teens to an "unapproved religious activity." In June 2006, Counsellor Maureen Loya first took the teens to the Anaheim 5K, but the girls did not like the loud music. So Loya then took them to Huntington Beach Pier's Celebrity Surf Jam where one of the featured bands was playing contemporary Christian music. Last week's lawsuit was filed after first being screened by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.

Law Prof Says Pope's Statement Challenges Catholic Judges In U.S.

Law Professor Douglas Kmiec writing for Time Magazine yesterday suggests that a close reading of the statement issued this week by Pope Benedict XVI after his meeting with House Speaker Nancy Peolsi has significant implications for Catholic judges in the United States. The statement was widely reported as a rebuke to Pelosi for her pro-choice positions. (See prior posting.) The Pope's statement (full text) said in part that the Church's teachings on human life

enjoin all Catholics, and especially legislators, jurists and those responsible for the common good of society, to work ... in creating a just system of laws capable of protecting human life at all stages of its development. [emphasis added.]

Kmiec says that previous statements by the Church had implicitly recognized that judges were in a different position than legislators, and the judges had no obligation to change the law when the legislature had not done so. Kmiec says: "the Pope's statement has the potential, at least theoretically, to empty the U.S. Supreme Court of all five of its Catholic jurists....", and may apply to Catholic judges on all courts.

Control Over "Feed the Children" At Issue In Lawsuit

Today's Oklahoman reports on a lawsuit-- whose pleadings are now sealed by the court-- over control of the Christian non-profit relief organization, Feed the Children. The suit, filed in state court in Oklahoma by five former directors of the charity, claims that plaintiffs were unlawfully replaced as board members last December. The new directors, prominent Christian clergy from around the country, were added to the board by FTC founder Larry Jones and board chairman Dwight Powers. Then 6 long-time directors were sent dismissal letters. The lawsuit asks the court to remove the new directors and invalidate all board action taken since December 4.

New Jersey School Proposes Hebrew Track With After-School Religion Classes

After New York's approval of a Hebrew language charter school (see prior posting), a New Jersey official is proposing an alternative arrangement that will be attractive to Jewish parents who may otherwise send their children to private Hebrew Day Schools. The Forward reported on Thursday that the interim superintendent of the Englewood (NJ) school system is suggesting a public-private partnership that would add a Hebrew language immersion track in a public school, and supplement it with privately-financed classes in Judaism as after-school activities. Modeled on the dual English-Spanish curriculum in some New Jersey schools, this program would follow the New Jersey Core Curriculum and students would mix with other students for lunch, recess and music. Interest in the program is fueled by the high cost of private Jewish Day School tuitions. For the Englewood school district that is under a racial desegregation order, the new track could increase racial diversity in the current largely Black and Hispanic district.

Washington State Says Religious Group Can Refuse Gay Volunteers

Page One Q reported yesterday on a decision handed down by the Washington State Human Rights Commission apparently allowing religious organizations to exclude gays and lesbians as volunteers. In March 2008, Tad Erichsen and John Footh were turned away as volunteers by His Supper Table, a meal program operating in Long Beach, Washington. They say the program director, Mike Renfro, told them that their presence would create a hostile work environment. The two men filed a complaint under the state's anti-discrimination law that, among other things, bars discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. (RCW Chap. 49.60). The Commission issued a decision last month that was communicated to Erichsen and Footh via a phone exit interview. Apparently the decision concluded that the 1st Amendment protects religious organizations in their decisions to exclude volunteers on religious, sexual orientation or other grounds.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Chaplain Lacks Standing In Establishment Clause Challenge To "Five Faiths Policy"

In McCollum v. State of California, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 11154 (ND CA, Feb. 13, 2009), a California federal district court held that a volunteer Wiccan prison chaplain lacks both traditional standing and taxpayer standing to bring an Establishment Clause challenge to the California prison system's policy of providing paid chaplains for only five faiths-- Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, and Native American. As to traditional standing, plaintiff is attempting to assert rights of third parties, i.e. Wiccan inmates. As to taxpayer standing, plaintiff is not seeking to stop the expenditure of state funds, but rather to increase or transfer expenditures to have Wiccan chaplains hired as well. Establishment Clause taxpayer standing extends only to cases where a taxpayer is attempting to lessen expenditures.

UPDATE: As pointed out by a commenter, plaintiff also claimed standing on the basis that creation of a paid Wiccan chaplain position would give him an opportunity to be hired-- something he had been told he was ineligible for currently. The court said that it was speculative whether, even if (as requested) faith-neutral criteria were applied, he would be hired since that depended on needs of Wiccan inmates.

UPDATE: While the Northern District of California denied standing to a chaplain to challenge the 5 Faiths Policy, a decision from last year has just become available through LEXIS in which the Eastern District of California finds that an inmate does have standing to challenge the policy. In Rouser v. White, 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 107199 (ED CA, Sept. 16, 2008), the court also found that plaintiff's complaint alleges "plausible grounds" for relief in his Establishment Clause challenge.

Jewish Army Employee Sues To Challenge Assertion of State Secrets Privilege

Another lawsuit has been filed in the long-running dispute between U.S. Army employee David Tenenbaum and the Department of Defense. In a series of events beginning in 1997, Tenenbaum, an Orthodox Jew, lost his access to classified information and had his security clearance revoked on the basis of unsubstantiated allegations that he was spying for the state of Israel. The government never found sufficient evidence to prosecute Tenenbaum, and a DOD Inspector General's Report issued last year concluded that "Tenenbaum was subjected to unusual and unwelcome scrutiny because of his faith and ethnic background...." (See prior posting). Tenenbaum had attempted previously to bring suit over his treatment, but one of the two major cases he filed was dismissed after defendants claimed that they would be required to disclose state secrets in order to defend themselves. (Tenenbaum v. Simonini, 6th Cir., 2004).

In a suit filed yesterday in a Michigan federal district court, Tenenbaum asserts that he was deprived of his constitutional right to full and fair access to the courts by defendants' false assertion, through sealed affidavits, of the state secrets privilege. The complaint (full text) in Tenenbaum v. U.S. Department of Defense, (ED MI, filed 2/19/2009) alleges that defendants asserted the state secrets privilege "with knowledge and/or in reckless disregard of the fact that no state secrets existed in the Action because there was never any evidence against Tenenbaum." Today's International Herald Tribune reports on the filing of the case.

Catholic Church Campaigns Against Bill That Has Not Been Introduced

Time Magazine yesterday reported on the intensive campaign initiated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops against Congressional passage of the Freedom of Choice Act, even though the Act has not even been introduced into Congress. In the 108th and 110th Congresses, the Freedom of Choice Act was introduced, but did not pass. It would have essentially codified Roe v. Wade so that if the constitutional basis for the decision were ever reversed, the same right to choose would be protected as a matter of statutory law. (Full text of bill in 110th Congress.) The anti-FOCA campaign has spread fast through the Internet, with a number of exaggerated claims about the law being disseminated. The furor apparently stems for a single remark Obama made as a candidate in 2007 when he told a Planned Parenthood affiliate that the first thing he would do as president is to sign FOCA. Time Magazine says:

FOCA is proving to be the perfect political issue for anti-abortion advocates — and for congressional Republicans, who have taken up the cry as well. Unless and until FOCA is voted on by Congress, they can invoke it as a looming threat. And the longer it remains a dormant issue, the more credit they can take for their own "proactive" efforts to "defeat FOCA"...

Several Catholic groups have attempted to counter fears that the bill is about to be enacted and have tried to correct some of the inaccurate claims being circulated.

British School's Handling of Child's Religious Remarks Brings National Attention

An incident in a British school between two young children is turning into a national controversy. As reported by Ekklesia and by Church Times, last week 5-year old Jasmine Cain, a student at Landscore Primary School in Crediton, upset a classmate by telling her that she would "go to hell" if she did not believe in God and Jesus. Head teacher Gary Read told Jasmine that her remark was inappropriate in the school with children from diverse backgrounds. Jasmine's mother, Jennie Cain, works as the receptionist at the school. Read asked her to make sure that her daughter did not repeat the remark that left her classmate in tears. Now Jennie Cain is challenging the head teacher's actions, saying that her daughter's religious beliefs are not being respected. She sent out e-mails to ten friends asking them for support. When Jennie was asked to stay home while the matter was being investigated, supporters around the country began to speak out. The Archbishop of York said that the school's treatment of Jennie Cain is an affront to the sensibility of Christians. (London Telegraph, Feb. 13.) Now the Governors of the school have set up a special committee to investigate the incident.

West Virginia Proponents of Marriage Amendment Create Controversy

In West Virginia, a group seeking to convince the legislature to propose a state constitutional amendment barring same-sex marriage has created controversy by a nearly 6-minute video it has posted on YouTube and on the WV 4Marriage website. At one point, the video shows a traditional family in the cross hairs of a rifle scope. The narrator says that activists are "working tirelessly to define marriage away from God's design" and says that same-sex marriage has created a crisis for the church. Yesterday's Times of West Virginia reports on the amendment efforts spearheaded by the Family Policy Council of West Virginia. A posting at Edge yesterday contains the video and discussion of further excerpts from it. Churches around the state will support the amendment efforts by participating in "Stand4Marriage Sunday" on March 1.

Somalian Clerics Want Moderate Sharia Nationwide

In Somalia, according to Reuters yesterday, a meeting of over 100 mainly moderate clerics has given the new government of Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, also a moderate, 120 days to declare that all of Somalia will be governed by Islamic law. This will require some amendments to the country's current constitution. The head of the Somali Uluma Council for Correction and Reconciliation says that its demands for Islamic law refer to a moderate version of Sharia, not the strict version that al-Shabab militants have declared after taking control of Baidoa last month.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

5th Circuit Holds No Damage Claims Permitted In Prisoner RLUIPA Suits

In Sossamon v. Lone Star State of Texas, (5th Cir., Feb. 18, 2009), the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals held that a suit for damages (as opposed to injunctive and declaratory relief) is not available under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. It agreed with the 11th Circuit that damages are not available in suits against officials in their individual capacities. Because RLUIPA was enacted under Congress' Spending Clause Powers, only the governmental recipient of the grant may be liable for a violation. It went on to hold that official-capacity damage actions are barred by the state's sovereign immunity. Agreeing with the 4th Circuit, it concluded that RLUIPA did not clearly alert the state of Texas that it would waive sovereign immunity for damage actions by accepting federal funding. However the court remanded for further proceedings plaintiff's claim for injunctive and declaratory relief. Plaintiff objected to the prison's policy of prohibiting congregational worship in the prison's chapel. He claimed that alternative worship venues do not give him access to Christian symbols or furnishings such as an altar or cross. [Thanks to Carol Gardner for the lead.]

4th Mexican State Places Pro-Life Amendment In Its Constitution

The Mexican state of Colima has become the fourth Mexican state to adopt a pro-life amendment to its state Constitution. LifeSite News reports that on Tuesday, state legislators unanimously adopted the amendment which provides in part: "Life is a right inherent in every human being. The State will protect and guarantee this right from the moment of conception." The amendment came after the legislature last month rejected a proposal to legalize abortion. Sponsors of the amendment say it was not religiously motivated. The legislative committee report on the bill says it is based on medical evidence. Similar amendments have been passed in the Mexican states of Baja California, Sonora, and Morelos. A suit is pending in Mexico's Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the Baja California amendment. (LifeSite News, Jan. 30).

Church Sues Illinois City Over Building Permit Delays

In Cicero, Illinois, a growing Spanish-language Mennonite congregation has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to force the city to process its building permit application and also seeking damages. The complaint (full text) in Sonido de Alabanza v. Town of Cicero, (ND IL, filed 2/18/2009), alleges that the city failed for a year-and-a-half to inform the church of the formal requirements that it submit drawings and a contractor contract in applying for a permit. Instead the city led the Church through a separate process that the Church believed was correct, only to later be told by the Building Department that this was not the appropriate route. The lawsuit alleges free exercise and RLUIPA violations, violations of the Illinois Religious Freedom Restoration Act, as well as violations of other of its 1st and 14th Amendment rights. In a press release announcing the filing, the Church said: "Ironically, while the SDA church has experienced two years of delays, a nearby liquor store ... has not only had plans approved but has completed construction and is open for business."

Court Says Eagle Feather Provision Violates RFRA

In United States v. Wilgus, (D UT, Feb. 17, 2009), a Utah federal district court held federal provisions that discriminate against non-Native American adherents of Native American religions violate their rights under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The ruling came in a challenge to convictions in two separate cases that had been remanded to the court by the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in a 2002 opinion. Members of federally recognized tribes can apply to obtain feathers for ritual use from the National Eagle Repository. Non-Native American adherents cannot apply and, under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, are subject to prosecution for possessing eagle feathers. The court held that the government has failed to carry the burden of showing that this complete ban on non-Native Americans is the least restrictive means of furthering its compelling interest of protecting eagle populations and Native American culture. AP yesterday reported on the decision.

Producer Says Pennsylvania Business Name Statute Violates 1st Amendment

The name of a corporation or limited liability company that is included in the articles it files with the state is generally subject to certain restrictions, usually to prevent duplication of names. Pennsylvania, however, also prohibits certain words from being used in the name of a business association. 19Pa. Code Sec. 17.5 provides that "An association name may not contain words that constitute blasphemy, profane cursing or swearing or that profane the Lord's name." The New York Times reports yesterday that a lawsuit has been filed in federal district court by filmmaker George Kalman challenging the constitutionality of that provision. Kalman wanted to name his production company "I Choose Hell Productions," to reflect the philosophical theme of his movies. In 2007, articles with that name were rejected because of the blasphemy and profanity prohibition, and he ultimately refiled under the name "ICH Productions LLC". Kalman's suit asserts that the statute violates the Establishment Clause because it prescribes a religious standard that was used in rejecting his filing. He also asserts that it violates his free expression rights, giving to state employees the discretion to reject business names that offend them.

Illinois Immigration Detainees Will Get More Clergy Visits

Yesterday's Chicago Tribune reports that religious groups have begun training around 30 volunteers who will pay visits to individuals being held in county jails awaiting federal deportation. The Access to Religious Ministry Act, passed by the Illinois legislature last December, will go into effect June 1. It requires jails to give reasonable access to religious workers to visit immigration detainees. Currently Illinois jails only permit religious visits for two hours a month to the rotating group of 750 deportees held in jails under contract with the Immigration and Customs Enforceement Agency. [Thanks to Joel Katz for the lead.]

NY Teacher Loses Suit Claiming Religious Discrimination and Christian Activities In School

In Eder v. City of New York, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 11501 (SD NY Feb. 12, 2009), a New York federal district court rejected claims by a Jewish public school teacher who was denied tenure that various Christian activities at her school violated the Establishment Clause. It also rejected teacher Melissa Eder's federal and state religious employment discrimination claims and her Title VII claims of retaliation and hostile work environment. The court held that activities such as a teachers' prayer group in the Principal's office and prayers over food at a faculty holiday party were private activities and did not carry the imprimatur of the school. The court found insufficient evidence of religious discrimination in the extension of Eder's probationary period, instead of granting her tenure, despite claims that the principal had referred to her as "poison." The court also rejected claims that incidents such as someone leaving a rabbi's picture on Eder's chair and co-workers referring to Adolph Hitler as a revolutionary thinker amounted to a hostile work environment.

Pope Meets Nancy Pelosi; Criticizes Her Pro-Choice Views

Yesterday Pope Benedict XVI met privately for 15 minutes with U.S. House Speaker Nancy Peolsi who is on an official visit to Italy . In what may have been an uncomfortable meeting with Pelosi who is Catholic, but who favors keeping abortion legal, the Pope, according to CNS, "told her that all Catholics, especially those who are lawmakers, must work to protect human life at every stage." In the past, Pelosi had said that church leaders over the centuries disagreed on when life begins. The Vatican's statement after the Papal meeting with Pelosi focused on the "church's consistent teaching on the dignity of human life from conception to natural death." Pelosi in a statement released after the meeting said nothing of the abortion issue, and instead congratulated the Pope on a number of initiatives such as fighting poverty, hunger and global warming. BeliefNet also comments on the Pope's "reprimand" to Pelosi.

Italian Teacher Suspended For Removing Crucifix

In Italy where controversy continues about Christian crosses in public buildings, a school teacher has been suspended for a month by the National Education Council after his students complained that he took down the crucifix that had been hanging in his classroom in Umbria. BBC News reported yesterday on the action against literature teacher Franco Coppoli who says that education and religion should not be mixed. (See prior related posting.)

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Jesuit Order Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy In Oregon

The Society of Jesus, Oregon Province , has become the first major religious order to file for federal bankruptcy reorganization, according to a report in today's Fairbanks (AK) Daily News-Miner. The filing was primarily in response to some 200 additional claims of sexual abuse of children-- mainly from Alaska-- against the Order. Over 200 other claims have previously been settled. The bankruptcy petition was filed Tuesday in Portland, Oregon federal Bankruptcy Court. Rev. Patrick J. Lee, Oregon Province Jesuits provincial, said: "It is the only way we believe that all claimants can be offered a fair financial settlement within the limited resources of the province." However David Clohessy, national director of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, called the filing "a morally irresponsible and selfish decision designed solely to protect the reputations of complicit church officials." Some 235 Oregon Province Jesuits serve five Northwestern states. (See prior related posting.)

Baha'i Leaders In Iran Are Charged With Espionage

The Washington Post reported yesterday that seven Baha'i leaders in Iran who have been detained for eight months have now been charged with espionage. A formal indictment will be issued next week. Iran's prosecutor general, Ayatollah Ghorbanali Dorri-Najafabadi, has focused on ties between Bahia's and Israel. The Baha'i headquarters is in the Israeli city of Haifa, but Baha'i has followers around the world. Hundreds of Bahia's have been arrested since Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution. The 300,000 Baha'i followers in Iran are not allowed to hold religious gatherings, and those who publicly announce their faith are excluded from universities, army service and government employment. Abdolfattah Soltani, one of the lawyers for the Baha'i leaders, has not been permitted to meet with them.

Paper Says Obama's Faith-Based Office Wil Not Show LGBT Bias

Today's Windy City Times focuses on Obama campaign's promise last July that the new Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (see prior posting) will not fund groups that advocate for anti-gay reparative therapy. It reports that one member of the new FBNP Advisory Council is Fred Davie who is openly gay. Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese said: "We expect that President Obama will abide by his commitment and ensure that federal funds are not used to discriminate against the LGBT community."

Christian Ministry Challenges Oklahoma Prison Rules

Last week, Wingspread Prison Ministries filed a federal lawsuit against the Oklahoma Department of Corrections challenging restrictions that interfere with Wingspread's outreach to inmates in Oklahoma. The complaint (full text) in Evangelists for Christ, Inc. v. Jones, (ED OK, filed 2/11/2009), alleges that prison rules allowing inmates to receive books and materials only from publishers, book stores or book dealers impair Wingspread's program of sending Bibles, religious books and other Christian religious materials to prisoners. Additionally the lawsuit challenges prison rules that allow letters to inmates from individuals but not from ministries. The suit claims that these restrictions violate Wingspread's protected speech and religious exercise rights, denies it equal protection of the laws and violates the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act. The Rutherford Institute issued a release last week announcing the filing of the suit.

Italy's High Court Acquits Judge Who Refuses To Sit In Courtroom With Cross

ANSA reported yesterday that Italy's Supreme Court of Cassation has reversed the conviction of Judge Luigi Tosti who had been sentenced by a lower court to seven months in jail for refusing to carry out his official duties. (See prior posting.) The sentence came after the Supreme Council of Magistrates removed Tosti from his position and cut off his pay for unjustifiable behavior. (See prior posting.) Tosti, who is Jewish, had refused to sit in his Camerino courtroom where-- as is customary in Italy-- a cross is displayed. Tosti argued that defendants have a right to be tried in a secular courtroom, and that lawyers and judges can refuse to serve in courtrooms that would deny defendants a fair trial. The high court-- after conducting Tosti's hearing without a cross in the courtroom-- apparently agreed with Tosti's church-state argument. It acquitted him, holding that he had not committed a crime. This however does not mean that crosses will be removed from Italian courts. In late 2004, the Constitutional Court held that crosses could remain in classrooms and courts. Earlier that year Tosti had threatened to protest the practice by displaying a menorah in his court, but changed his mind when the Union of Italian Muslims began to demonstrate support for his proposal.

Russian Court Orders Confiscation of 13 Dissident Orthodox Congregations

Eesti Elu reported yesterday that in the Russian city of Suzdal, a court has ordered government confiscation of 13 congregations belonging to the Russian Orthodox Autonomous Church (ROAC). ROAC is the successor to the underground Catacomb Church that was formed to resist the government-infiltrated Russian Orthodox Church during the period of Soviet Communist control. In 1990, the former Catacomb Church became part of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad. In 2007 the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad and the Moscow Patriarchate reunified, but ROAC refuses to accept that reconciliation. Now two Russian nationalist groups in Moscow are trying to force ROAC to accept control by the Moscow Patriarchate. ROAC plans an appeal to higher Russian courts and, if necessary, to the European Court of Human Rights. (See prior related posting.)

Ghana's Vice President Wants Government Inspired By Christian Values

Ghana's Vice President John Dramani Mahama speaking to the synod of the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra on Monday said that his National Democratic Congress (NDC) Administration would rely heavily on religious values and religious institutions in bringing social reform to the country. Peace FM Online reports today that Mahma, identifying arrogance and self-centredness as the reason for bad governance in most African countries, said that he wants Christian values to be a centrepiece Ghana's social development, and an inspirational source for state officials. He said the government wants to work with religous bodies to turn Ghana into a welfare-oriented society. According to the 2000 census, Ghana is 69% Christian.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

U.S. State Department Moves Gingerly On Durban II Conference Participation

The Obama administration has decided to tread carefully on the controversial issue of whether the United States should participate in the Second UN World Conference Against Racism (known as the "Durban Review Conference" or "Durban II") scheduled for Geneva in April. The United States and Israel walked out of the first Conference, held in Durban in 2001, because of the anti-Semitic and anti-Israel focus of many participants. (Background.) Fearing a repeat, Canada and Israel both announced a year ago that they would not attend the 2009 Conference. (YNet News.)

U.S. participation has been uncertain. Last September, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.Res. 1361 calling on the President and Secretary of State to defeat efforts to use Durban II to promote anti-Semitism. On Saturday, the U.S. State Department issued a release saying that it will send a delegation to the Feb. 16-19 preparatory meetings in order to assess whether U.S. participation in the Conference itself, or in further preparatory talks, is warranted. Yesterday ADL issued a release criticizing the decision of the Obama administration, saying that "the draft declaration under negotiation unfairly singles out Israel for condemnation and establishes what amounts to a global blasphemy code." AFP reported yesterday that the U.S. delegation began its work by suggesting a number of changes to the draft resolution being put together for April.

Paper Questions NY Bishop's Political Contribution

Today's New York Daily News questions a $250 political donation made by Brooklyn's Catholic Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio. The bishop (whose diocese also includes Queens) made the contribution to City Council candidate Geraldine Chapey whose mother is a member of the state Board of Regents. The Regents have jurisdiction over approval of charter schools. A month after the contribution, DeMarzio and Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced a proposal to convert four financially-strapped Catholic schools in Brooklyn and Queens into state-supported charter schools. (See prior posting.) Both DiMarzio and Chapey say the donation-- which also generates $522 of taxpayer matching funds-- was not connected to the charter school proposal.

Professional Biologists' Group Boycotts Louisiana Over Science Education Law

AP reported yesterday that the professional group, The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, has written Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal (full text of letter), informing him that it has not chosen New Orleans for its 2011 meeting largely because of Louisiana's enactment of a law last year that allows teachers to supplement standard science texts with supplemental materials. Some argue that the provision will be used to introduce religious views opposed to evolution into science classes, despite statutory language barring its use to promote religious doctrines. (See prior posting.) The Feb. 5 letter to Gov. Jindal reads in part:

The Executive Committee voted to hold the 2011 meeting in Salt Lake City in large part because of legislation SB 561, which you signed into law in June 2008. It is the firm opinion of SICB's leadership that this law undermines the integrity of science and science education in Louisiana.

The letter goes on to point out that Utah, by contrast, has passed a resolution saying that evolution is central to any science curriculum. [Thanks to Scott Mange for the lead.]

Arkansas House Says Guns No Longer Totally Banned In Church

The Arkansas House of Representatives last week passed HB 1237 that would allow holders of concealed carry permits to carry firearms in churches, unless the church posts signs prohibiting them. The bill now goes to the state Senate. The New York Times reported last week that proponents of the bill say it is about the right of churches to make their own decisions -- without governmental intervention-- on whether or not to permit firearms. Opponents, though, say that the notion contradicts long tradition of viewing the church as a "sanctuary" free from the fear of violence. (ABP report.) The bill was introduced after a series of shootings at churches across the country.

80th Anniversary of Vatican City State Marked By Conference

February 11 was the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Lateran Accords that created Vatican City as a separate political state. A conference to commemorate the anniversary was held Feb. 12 to 14, with sessions in Rome and the Vatican. The conference was titled A Small Territory for a Great Mission. Zenit.org reports that Pope Benedict XVI addressed conference participants last Saturday, describing Vatican City State as a "shelter of absolute independence of the Holy See."

Monday, February 16, 2009

College Renovation Funds-- And Religious Exclusion Question-- Back In Stimulus Bill

There has been a good deal of rhetoric and confusion over provisions in the stimulus bill permitting states to use certain funds for higher education renovation projects-- and the concomitant ban on funding for buildings used for religious purposes. (See prior posting.) As pointed out by the Joint Explanatory Statement from the Conference Committee [at pg. H1438], both the House and Senate versions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that went into Conference had eliminated an earlier provision that allowed states to make grants for renovation of college buildings used for secular purposes. However the Conference Committee put the provision allowing use of funds for higher education renovations (with the same limits) back in. Searches of the earliest marked up versions-- partly marked up in hand-- did not turn up this addition (which led to an incorrect, but now corrected, posting by me earlier today). Now that an official fully printed version is available, funding for college building renovations reappears [at pg. H1351].

This means that the objections of some religious groups to the bill's limitations on use of this funding is back with us. At issue is this language:

No funds awarded under this title may be used for—... (3) modernization, renovation, or repair of facilities— (A) used for sectarian instruction or religious worship; or (B) in which a substantial portion of the functions of the facilities are subsumed in a religious mission.

The language poses two separate kinds of concerns. First, some object to the basic policy decision to deny funds for renovations of divinity schools and the like. Second, others do not necessarily disagree with that policy, but fear that the language of the bill is so broad that it may exclude use of funds in situations that were never intended to be excluded. The focus is on the exclusion for facilities "used for sectarian instruction or religious worship."

While that language clearly excludes a school's chapel, what about a regular classroom building that once in a while is used by a student group for prayer? Often student groups can reserve empty classrooms for meetings or events. Suppose a Christian, Jewish or Muslim student group uses a classroom in a science building once a week for an hour for group prayers. Does that preclude use of ARRA funds to remodel the science building? It is certainly unlikely that Congress intended to prevent the building-- where worship was an insubstantial use-- from receiving federal funds, and it is likely that if ever litigated, that is what a court would conclude. The problem however is that careful lawyers must often give legal opinions without court guidance. The fact that a "substantiality" qualification is in one clause of the exclusion and not the other, might give a careful lawyer pause. Last week, a posting on Phi Beta Cons via Blog from the Capital illustrated the scenario that might occur:

A university dusts off an old modernization project for a large and aging classroom building. Prior to submitting its funding proposal to the government, the university counsel's office works to ensure that the building complies with all applicable regulations, and in so doing finds that a Christian student group uses the building for its Friday-night Bible study. This is clearly "use" of the building for "sectarian instruction," so—to be on the safe side, since millions of dollars are at stake—he issues a notice that the group move its activities to another building. The process is repeated as other buildings are made eligible for funding.

UPDATE: Tobin Grant writing in Christianity Today on Wednesday says that the version of the stimulus bill as passed is good for religious institutions. He says: "With the restrictions, religious colleges and universities are able to qualify for the same type of funding as public and secular schools do. Without them, such funding would likely be considered unconstitutional."

Russian Legislator Wants Government Religious TV Channel

In Russia, the Vice Speaker of the Federation Council (the upper house of Russia's parliament) says he supports the idea of creating a Public Council on Morality to deal with objectionable television programming as well as the proposal to create a federal religious television channel. Speaking at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Alexander Torshin also expressed concern over protecting children and teens from pornography and immorality on the Internet. Interfax reports that Torshin also encouraged parliamentary consultation with traditional religious organizations in Russia when important laws are being considered.

Stimulus Bill Drafters Recognize Religious Objections To Electronic Health Records [Corrected]

A portion of the stimulus bill, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, that President Obama will sign tomorrow provides funding to computerize health records across the country. Title XIII, known as the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act ("HITECH Act") provides in Sec. 3001 the goal that there be an electronic health record for each person in the United States by the year 2014. (Full text at pg. H1338]). However the Conference Committee's Joint Explanatory Statement on this provision (full text at pg. H1431] creates a "conscience clause" of sorts. It provides:

this ... is not intended to require individuals to receive services from providers that have electronic health records.... This provision does not constitute a legal requirement on any patient to have an electronic health record. For religious or other reasons, non-traditional health care providers may also choose not to use an electronic health record.

Here are links to all portions of the bill and of the Joint Explanatory Statement.

CORRECTION: Meanwhile [contrary to what appeared to be the case from earlier marked up prints of the law], the final version of the law as printed in the Congressional Record retains provisions from earlier versions of the bill on renovation of college buildings. (Full text at pg. H1351). These provisions have created concern among some conservative Christian groups because of exclusions for buildings used for religious purposes. (See prior posting.)

Mild Form of Islamic Law To Control Part of Pakistan's North West Frontier Province

Yesterday's London Guardian reports that in Pakistan, the government will announce today an arrangement under which a mild form of Islamic law will be imposed in the Malakand region of the North West Frontier Province. Taliban insurgents, who control much of the nearby Swat Valley, support a system of speedy Islamic justice and have imposed rigid Wahabi Islamic rule in portions under their control. (See prior posting.) Under the new arrangement for Malakand, religious experts, known as qazi, will sit alongside regular judges to make certain that court rulings comply with Sharia. However provincial government leaders say the main goal of the change is to speed up the slow justice process in the country-- with criminal cases to be completed in 4 months and civil cases in 6 months. Some see this as an attempt to undermine support for Taliban extremists, while others see it as capitulation to them.

UPDATE: The Feb. 18 issue of Indian Express gives more technical details on the court that will be set up in Malakand. A special bench of the Peshawar High Court will be set up, and will be renamed Dar-ul-Quza (Qazi court). A sessions judge —to now be called Qazi — will hear cases with an Alim-e-Din (Quranic scholar) who will decide "religious technicalities." Meanwhile Tuesday's New York Times sets the decision on a new judicial structure in the context of a broader truce that has been agreed to between the government and the Taliban. It says that the arrangement effectively concedes the area as a Taliban sanctuary.

Recent Articles of Interest

From SSRN:

Yossi Nehushtan, Secular and Religious Conscientious Exemptions: Between Tolerance and Equality, (LAW AND RELIGION IN THEORETICAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT, Peter Cane, Carolyn Evans, Zoe Robinson, eds., p. 243, 2008).

Lorenzo Zucca, The Crisis of the Secular State: A Reply to Professor Sajo, (I.CON, 2009).

Julie Seaman, Hate Speech and Identity Politics: A Situationalist Proposal, (Florida State University Law Review, Vol. 36, pp. 99-123, 2008).

From SmartCILP:

Yuval Sinai & Benjamin Shmueli, Changing the Current Policy Towards Spousal Abuse: A Proposal for a New Model Inspired by Jewish Law, 32 Hastings International & Comparative Law Review 155-236 (2009).

Symposium. Pluralism, Religion & the Law: A Conversation at the Intersection of Identity, Faith and Legal Reasoning. Articles by Charles Barbour, Patrick Brown, Quinton H. Dixie, Peter Fitzpatrick, Vincent D. Rougeau, Lisa Shaw Roy, Jack L. Sammons and Susan J. Stabile. 32 Seattle University Law Review 271-405 (2009).

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Saudi King Shakes Up Government To Get More Religious Moderates

Today's New York Times and CNN-IBN report that Saudi Arabia's Kiing Abdullah yesterday removed two officials in an effort to reduce the political power of hard-line Muslim clerics. Sheikh Ibrahim al-Ghaith, head of the Muttawah (religious police), has been replaced by Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Humain. Also Sheik Saleh al-Luhaidan, head of the Supreme Judiciary Court, has been replaced by Saleh bin Humaid. al-Ludhaidan had gained notoriety by issuing a fatwa urging the killing of satellite television executives ecause of the immoral soap operas run by their stations. In two additional moderating steps, King Abdullah for the first time appointed a woman to serve as a deputy cabinet minister. Norah Al-Fayez was appointed deputy education minister for female education . Finally Abdullah expanded the Grand Ulema Commission to include scholars from all branches of Sunni Islam, rather than just Hanbalis who have dominated the Commission in the past.

Afghanistan Appeals Court Upholds Prison For Quran Translators

AP reports that today an appeals court in Afghanistan upheld 20-year prison sentences for two men who published a translation of the Quran in Dari without the original Arabic verses alongside. (See prior posting.) Ahmad Ghaws Zalmai was the translator and Muslim cleric Mushtaq Ahmad signed a letter endorsing the translation. Islamic clerics, who had called for the death sentence, condemned the translation (which was distributed free) as blasphemous and accused defendants of holding themselves out as false prophets. The appeals court, in addition to rejecting the death sentence, reduced the sentences to time already served for the owner of the company that printed the translation and three men charged with helping Zalmai try to flee the country.

Austria's Government Fires Muslim Religion Teacher for Anti-Semitism

Austrian Times reports that last Thursday the country's Education Minister Claudia Schmied ordered Vienna's city school council to dismiss a Muslim man who is currently teaching a course in religion at the city's Cooperative Secondary School. The teacher was charged with distribution anti-Semitic leaflets to his students, urging them to boycott a list of "Jewish firms." Usually teachers of religion in public schools are appointed by their religious denominations, but Schmied said that minister of education has legal authority to intervene when religious teachers violate their legal obligations.

Recent Prisoner Free Excercise Cases

In Weinberger v. Grimes, (6th Cir., Feb. 10, 2009), the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of a civil suit by a former federal prisoner who claimed that his free exercise rights and his rights under RFRA were violated by inadequate accommodation of his Jewish religious dietary needs and by various other actions that favored Christian prisoners and interfered with his religious worship. The court also rejected staste law and privacy claims.

In Shelton v. Chapman, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 8728 (SD IL, Feb. 6, 2009), an Illinois federal district court dismissed an inmate's claim that his free exercise rights were violated when one book, the Holy Zumar, was removed from prison chapel library shelves for seven months.

In Cirisan v. Burnett, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 8739 (WD MI, Jan. 5, 2009), a Michigan federal magistrate judge recommended dismissal of a challenge under the free exercise clause and RLUIPA by a Jewish inmate who was not permitted to wear a yarmulke with "I.D.F. Israeli Army" written on the side. Prison rules prohibit inmates from wearing military apparel.

In Cano v. Taylor, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 9164 (D AZ, Feb. 5, 2009), an Arizona federal district court permitted an inmate to proceed with a claim against the head of the Arizona Department of Corrections alleging improper denial of his grievance alleging free exercise violations.

In Jackson v. Sullivan, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 8906 (ED CA, Jan. 29, 2009), a California federal magistrate judge permitted a Rastafarian prisoner to proceed with his claim that RLUIPA was violated when prison officials denied him access to the law library because he refused to comply with haircut regulations.

In Terrell v. Montalbano, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 9016 (WD VA, Jan. 23, 2009), a Virginia federal district court dismissed a Muslim prisoner's claim under RLUIPA challenging a 6-month delay in placing him on the Common Fare diet. The court found a compelling governmental interest in using the period to observe plaintiff's religious participation to assess the sincerity of his beliefs.

In Agrawal v. Keim, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 9307 (SD IL, Feb. 9, 2009), an Illinois federal district court dismissed claims against prison officials who had misunderstood the religious dietary restrictions of a Hindu prisoner. Plaintiff was permitted by his beliefs to consume dairy products, but he was placed on the vegan diet and then removed from it as a sanction when he consumed food containing dairy.

In McElroy v. Department of Corrections, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 9577 (ED CA, Jan. 30, 2009), a California federal magistrate judge permitted an inmate to move ahead with a claim that correctional officers physically attacked him because of his religious beliefs. His allegations of attempted culture theft were found too vague to support a claim.

In Nelson v. Runnels, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 9298 (ED CA, Jan. 28, 2009), a federal magistrate judge recommended dismissal of an inmate's free exercise and RLUIPA challenge to the state Department of Corrections hair-length regulations.

In Kay v. Bemis, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 10360 (D UT, Feb. 10, 2009), a Utah federal district court, in a long-running case, dismissed plaintiff's free exercise and RLUIPA claims that his right to practice Wicca were improperly infringed in two different detention facilities. (See prior related posting.)

In Finley v. Gonzales, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 10765 (ED CA, Feb. 4, 2009), a California federal magistrate judge dismissed a prisoner's claim that his free exercise rights were violated when he was not permitted to attend a religious seminar and receive a certificate or a blessing from God.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

San Diego Diocese Will Begin Release of Records On Abusive Priests

In September 2007, the Catholic Diocese of San Diego (CA) entered a settlement in claims of clergy sexual abuse by 144 victims. Part of the settlement included an agreement on release of documents regarding abusive priests and employees, and records of how the Church dealt with them. (See prior posting.) Yesterday's San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the files will finally be released tomorrow on a secure website that will be accessible to plaintiffs' lawyers. Retired Judge William C. Pate will then review challenges to the release of specific documents. Priests who are still living will be permitted to challenge release of information about them. Also the diocese is claiming that certain of the documents should remain private. It is anticipated that it will take 5 to 6 months for the challenges to be decided.

Kentucky Appeals Court Will Review Case On Access To Church Records

Yesterday's Louisville (KY) Courier-Journal reported yesterday that a Kentucky state Court of Appeals earlier this week stayed an order issued by a Jefferson Circuit Court in a suit by church members against the pastor and three lay leaders of the First Baptist Church of Jeffersontown. Twenty-nine members had sued seeking access to the church's financial records. The trial court had ruled that under the church's constitution, members had a contractual right to see the records, and that court enforcement of that right did not involve deciding matters of church doctrine. The Court of Appeals order delays enforcement of the trial court order while the appellate court reviews defendants' free exercise arguments in the case.

This Is "Evolution Weekend" In Houses of Worship

This weekend is Evolution Weekend in churches and synagogues around the country. Sponsored by the Clergy Letter Project, the purpose of the weekend is to demonstrate that "evolutionary theory ... is fully harmonious with religious faith." Over a thousand congregations from all 50 states and 15 foreign countries are slated to take part. Yesterday's International Herald Tribune reports that participating houses of worship plan sermons, Sunday school lessons and even evolution dances.

Geert Wilders Kept Out of Britain, But His Video Is Shown to House of Lords

Controversial Dutch politician Geert Wilders was invited to England last week by a member of Britain's House of Lords, but British immigration officials at Heathrow Airport on Thursday sent him back to the Netherlands, saying that he is a threat to security. The London Telegraph and Radio Netherlands report on developments. Wilders, known for his strong anti-Muslim views, had been invited to show his inflammatory film Fitna in the upper house of Britain's Parliament. The video was screened in the House of Lords Thursday even without Wilders there, but only about 5 members of the House of Lords and 25 other people attended. Het Frije Volk yesterday published the text of the speech Wilders had intended to deliver in the House of Lords. In it, he called Islam a threat, saying that its goals are "world domination, holy war, sharia law, the end of the separation of church and state, the end of democracy." (See prior related posting.)

City Barred From Enforcing Noise Ordinance In Consent Decree

A consent judgment (full text) has been entered by a New York federal district court enjoining the city of Ithaca from enforcing a provision in its municipal ordinances that bans noise which can be heard more than 25 feet away. DeFerio v. City of Ithaca, (ND NY, 2/12/2009) was a lawsuit brought by a Christian evangelist who had been prevented by police from preaching in the Ithaca Commons. The consent order bans enforcement of the limitation against anyone engaged in unamplified speech in a public place. It also orders the police to train its officers in proper enforcement of the ban, and awards attorney's fees and nominal damages. Alliance Defense fund issued a release announcing the consent judgment. An article yesterday in WorldNet Daily has more background on the case. (See prior related posting.)

Some Oklahoma Legislators Object To Invocation By Gay Minister

A routine motion in Oklahoma's House of Representatives encountered unexpected opposition last Wednesday, according to NewsOK. Reverend Scott Jones had been invited by Rep. Al McAffrey to deliver that day's invocation as chaplain for the day in the House. McAffrey is the Oklahoma legislature's only openly gay member. Rev. Jones, in remarks before delivering his prayer, introduced his guests that were in the House gallery, including his "loving partner and fiance, Michael." When at the end of the session, McAffrey moved to include Jones' invocation in the House Journal, 20 representatives voted against the motion. (64 voted in favor.) McAffrey said the unusual negative votes were apparently because Jones and most of his congregation are gay. Americans United issued a release yesterday criticizing the legislators for demonstrating "official favoritism among religions based on their personal religious biases in the public chamber of the Oklahoma House of Representatives."

Friday, February 13, 2009

In Some Nations, Religious and Cultural Objections To Valentine's Day Arise

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, but in various parts of the world there is religious and cultural resistance to observing the day's customs. The day originated as a celebration of two 3rd century Christian martyrs, both known as St. Valentine. AP reports that in Saudi Arabia, religious police have required stores to remove items that are red, or that are intended as Valentine's Day gifts. Saudi Arabia bans celebrations of Christian holidays. In Sudan, according to ENI, the Sudan Ulema Authority issued a statement saying: "Valentine's Day comes from Western countries. I call on Muslims not to imitate Christians." The London Telegraph reports that in India, a leader of the Hindu nationalist group, Sri Ram Sena, said: "Valentine's Day is definitely not Indian culture. We will not allow celebration of that day in any form." Meanwhile, a group of Indian women who oppose the actions of Sri Ram Sena have begun the Pink Chaddi Campaign. It calls on women to send their pink underwear to Sri Ram Sena leader Pramod Muthalik. The campaign is reported on a blog titled Consortium of Pubgoing, Loose and Forward Women.

UPDATE: India's Sri Rama Sene called off its plans to protest Valentine's Day activities, though its leader Pramod Mutalik has become something of a cultural hero. (India Today, Feb. 13.)

Christian College Student Sues Over Speech Prof's Treatment of His Presentation

On Wednesday, a student at Los Angeles City College filed a federal court lawsuit against a speech professor John Matteson, and against the trustees and various administrators at the College. The lawsuit revolves around a speech that plaintiff Jonathan Lopez delivered in class to fulfill an open-ended assignment for the course. His speech focused on his Christian beliefs including beliefs that marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman. Prof. Matteson had already made clear to the class that he was a supporter of same-sex marriage. Lopez believes that sharing his Christian beliefs is a religious duty.

The complaint Lopez v. Candaele, (CD CA, filed 2/11/2009) (full text) alleges that Prof. Matteson refused to permit Lopez to complete his speech, called him a "fascist bastard" and, instead of entering a grade on an evaluation sheet, wrote that Lopez should "ask God" for his grade. An appeal to the dean was unavailing. It led to threats of retaliation by Matteson and claims by administrators that Lopez was engaged in hate speech. The lawsuit challenges both the actions taken against Lopez and the College's speech code as violations of the 1st and 14th Amendments. Alliance Defense Fund issued a release yesterday reporting on the case and linking to additional background materials.

European Court Says Russia Violated Rights of Unification Church Missionary

Yesterday the European Court of Human Rights in Nolan and K. v. Russia, (ECHR, Feb. 12, 2009), ruled that Russia violated Sec. 1, Article 9 (freedom of thought, conscience and religion), as well as various other provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights, when it refused to readmit to the country an American missionary. Patrick Francis Nolan had worked in the country for 8 years with youth organizations affiliated with the Unification Church. Russia claimed that Nolan had engaged in activities that posed a security threat. However it never specified the nature of those activities. As summarized by the Court's press release on the decision:

Given the primary religious nature of the applicant’s activities and the general policy as set out in the Concept of National Security of the Russian Federation, that is to say that foreign missionaries posed a threat to national security, the Court considered it established that Mr Nolan's banning from Russia had been designed to repress the exercise of his right to freedom of religion. However, since the interests of national security were deliberately omitted as a permitted ground for restrictions on the exercise of the right to freedom of religion in Article 9 of the Convention, such interests could not be relied upon as a justification for the measures taken by the Russian authorities against Mr Nolan.

[Thanks to Institute on Religion & Public Policy for the lead.]

USCIRF Urges U.S. To Press Turkey On Monastery Dispute

On Wednesday, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued a release encouraging the U.S. government to raise with Turkey the importance of respecting property rights of religious minorities. Of particular concern to USCIRF is a case currently in Turkish courts involving land claimed by the Mor Gabriel Syriac Orthodox monastery. Today's Zaman on Thursday, reporting on the latest court hearing in the case, also describes details of the dispute:

The row began when Turkish government land officials redrew the boundaries around Mor Gabriel and the surrounding villages in 2008 to update the national land registry as part of a cadastre modernization project in compliance with EU instructions. The monks say the new boundaries turn over to the villages large plots of land the monastery has owned for centuries and designate monastery land as public forest.

Report On Hate Movements In Times of Economic Crisis Is Released

The Simon Wiesenthal Center yesterday announced the release of a new report titled Hatred In Hard Times-- And How to Combat It: Lessons From History For the 21st Century. The report was written to warn of possible anti-Semitism and other hate movements growing out of the current economic crisis, dubbed by the report as the "Panic of 2008." Authored by historian Dr. Harold Brackman, the 46-page report traces hate movements growing out of various economic crises beginning as far back as the Dutch Tulip Mania of the 1630's. The report also focuses on movements throughout U.S. history that have pressed for greater tolerance.

European Court Says Bulgaria Improperly Resolved Church Split

In a judgment handed down last month, the European Court of Human Rights held that the government of Bulgaria has improperly taken sides in a dispute between two factions of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. In Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church v. Bulgaria, (ECHR, Jan. 22, 2009), the court concluded that Bulgaria has violated Sec. 1, Article 9 (freedom of thought, conscience and religion) of the European Convention on Human Rights. As summarized in the Court's press release on the case:

in the context of an ongoing dispute between two groups claiming leadership of the Church, ... the State had taken action to terminate the autonomous existence of one of the two opposing groups and had provided the other group with exclusive control over the affairs of the whole religious community. It found that that had been contrary to the Government’s duty to remain neutral in such matters, as it had not been a question of merely recognising the canonical leadership of the Church but a question of which leadership had been canonical. The authorities had therefore taken sides in an unsettled controversy deeply dividing the religious community. That had amounted to an interference with the applicants' right to freedom of religion, which had included the right to organisational autonomy of the religious community.

On Wednesday the Alliance Defense fund issued a release praising the January decision, saying that it "underscores the vital importance of the church operating independently of state coercion and control."

Anti-Religion Signs Will Go Up In Madison WI Buses

In Madison, Wisconsin starting today riders on six buses are will see provocative advertising signs from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Each sign carries a quotation from a different famous atheist or free thinker. Included are quotes from: Mark Twain, Clarence Darrow, Emily Dickinson, Butterfly McQueen and Richard Dawkins. For example, the sign featuring a portrait of Darrow reads: "I don't believe in God because I don't believe in Mother Goose." The Examiner yesterday reported at length on the quotes and featured photos of most of the signs that will be displayed inside the buses. FFRF already has a national billboard campaign in operation. (See prior related posting.)

Swedish Muslim Student Claims Discrimination Over Niqab

In Stockholm, Sweden, a Muslim woman has filed a religious discrimination complaint with the Equality Ombudsman. The Local reported yesterday that the woman was told by an adult education college in Spanga that she cannot wear her niqab in class or in contact with college staff. The niqab covers her face, except for the area around her eyes. The school, the Västerort Vuxengymnasium, cites a recent decision by the National Agency for Education. The student says she has offered a compromise which apparently the school has not accepted-- she will remove her niqab during class if she can sit in the front.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Kazakhstan's Constitutional Council Invalidates New Religion Law

According to a report yesterday from Interfax , Kazakhstan's Constitutional Council has ruled that controversial amendments to the country's laws on religion and religious organizations are inconsistent with Kazakhstan's Constitution. The amendments, passed by Parliament last November, had been referred to the Constitutional Council by President Nursultan Nazarbaev before he signed them. (See prior posting.) The amendments were widely criticized by human rights groups.

UPDATE: Forum 18 on Thursday had a longer report on the decision. It indicates that President Nazarbaev has one month during which he can propose changes to the decision. they take effect only if supported by two-thirds of the Constitutional Council. The report also says that the Council's decision calls into question the constitutionality of Kazakhstan's current Religion Law as well.

Defendant's Religious Beliefs Prevent Him From Viewing Sexual Photos For Trial

In Spring Valley, New York, a man on trial for committing sexual acts with underage girls and photographing two other men having sex with them now claims that he has turned religious and cannot view the sexual photos to aid in his own defense. Yesterday's Lower Hudson Journal-News reports that defendant David Silverman grew up in a Hasidic Jewish community, but left in his teens and was placed in foster care. He has recently again become religiously observant. The offenses Silverman is charged with were allegedly committed when he was 21. Silverman met the girls involved through MySpace's online social network. He has plead not guilty, denying he touched them.

Proposal Would Delete Anti-Atheist Clause of Arkansas Constitution

Art. 19., Sec. 1 of the Arkansas Constitution provides: "No person who denies the being of a God shall hold any office in the civil departments of this State, nor be competent to testify as a witness in any court." Yesterday State Rep. Richard Carroll introduced into the Arkansas General Assembly a resolution (HJR 1009) proposing a constitutional amendment that would repeal this provision. The "Whereas" clauses in the resolution say that it is likely the existing provision violates the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and would be struck down in an appropriate court challenge. Ft. Smith City Wire reports on the proposal. [Thanks to Scott Mange for the lead.]

County Board Moves To Moment of Silence; Generates Strong Objections

The Dodge County, Wisconsin Board of Supervisors last week decided to end the practice of opening their meetings with a prayer from one of the Board members. Instead meetings will begin with a moment of silence. The Fond du Lac Reporter last week traced the reason for the decision. Newly elected Supervisor Dean Fuller became concerned after a fellow Board member opened a meeting with a sectarian Christian prayer. Fuller complained to the Freedom from Religion Foundation which, in turn, wrote Board Chairman Russell Kottke asserting that the past practice was unconstitutional. Reaction to the Board's decision has been strong. OneNewsNow yesterday quoted Libery Counsel's Mat Staver who said that the decision "is an example of where some radical separationists are pushing this country. They want to literally eliminate any kind of reference to God or religion." Also last week Supervisor Fuller, who initiated the change, said he has received death threats. (620 WTMJ News).

Group Demands Schools End Use of Church For Graduation Ceremonies

Americans United yesterday issued a release announcing that they have written three Wisconsin public school districts and a community college demanding that they stop holding their graduation ceremonies at Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Graduation speakers at the church stand under a 30-foot cross which church officials refuse to cover for the ceremonies. At past graduations the Church has also displayed banners with religious messages and church personnel have distributed religious pamphlets to graduates and their families. The letters sent to each school assert that the use of the Church under these circumstances violates the Establishment Clause. The AU release links to the full text of the letters sent to each school.

Lebanon Says Citizens Can Remove Religious Affiliation From State Records

In Lebanon yesterday, Interior Minister Ziad Baroud issued a circular permitting any citizen to have his or her religious affiliation removed from Civil Registry Records. Ya Libnan reports that the decision to allow religion to be replaced by merely a slash sign (/) was based on provisions in Lebanon's Constitution protecting freedom of belief, as well as provisions in the introduction to the Constitution pledging commitment to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.