Canadian Appellate Court Opens Door To Refugee Status For U.S. Conscientious Objector to Iraq War

In Hinzman v. Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, (Fed. Ct. App., July 6, 2010), Canada's Federal Court of Appeal held than an American soldier's application for permanent residency as a refugee based on "humanitarian and compassionate" grounds may be granted when his refusal to deploy to Iraq was based on a sincere and deeply held moral, political or religious objection to a particular war. In a decision below, the applications judge agreed with the H&C Officer that the CO's potential punishment for desertion in the United States did not justify granting his application because "hardships attached to laws of general application in a democratic state cannot be considered as unusual and undeserved or disproportionate under Canadian law." The appeals court held, however, that "the H&C Officer had the duty to look at all of the appellants’ personal circumstances, including Mr. Hinzman’s beliefs and motivations, before determining if there were sufficient reasons to make a positive H&C decision." Axis of Logic yesterday, reporting on the decision, says that it has "[set] the stage for a new immigration review process for all those Iraq- and Afghanistan-assigned American soldiers who came to Canada as conscientious objectors." However Canada's Minister of  Citizenship and Immigration Jason Kenney is opposed to allowing American CO's to remain in Canada.

Rabbi Sentenced In Fraud Case From 1980's

In a Manhattan federal court yesterday, Rabbi Avrum Friesel was sentenced to 27 months in jail  and ordered to pay $11 million in restitution for a fraud committed by leaders of the Hasidic village of New Square, New York in the 1980's. Yesterday's New York Post reports that Friesel, after spending eleven years on the run in Israel and Great Britain, plead guilty after being extradited from Britain last year. The offenses included obtaining $10 million in fraudulent Pell grants for ineligible students at a Brooklyn seminary. The court granted a downward departure from the Federal Sentencing Guidelines 41 month sentence because of Friesel's minor role in the fraud and his history of working with disabled children. Friesel said he was deeply ashamed of breaking American civil law, which meant he also broke Jewish religious law. Four co-defendants were convicted in 1999, but their sentences were commuted by President Bill Clinton on his last day in office in 2001. The New York Post notes that the commutation came shortly after Hillary Rodham Clinton won almost every vote in New Square, NY in her race for the U.S. Senate. 

New Jersey Appellate Court Says Religious Belief Does Not Excuse Coerced Sex With Wife

In S.D. v. M.J.R., (NJ Super. Ct. App. Div., July 23, 2010), a New Jersey appellate court held that the trial court should have issued a final restraining order to protect a Muslim woman who had been the victim of her husband's domestic violence. The trial court judge had concluded that while the husband's coerced sex with his wife constituted sexual assault, the husband did not have the requisite sexual intent because of his belief that his religion permitted him to require his wife to comply with his sexual demands. The appellate court held: "Because it is doubtlessly true that the laws defining the crimes of sexual assault and criminal sexual contact are neutral laws of general application, and because defendant knowingly engaged in conduct that violated those laws, the judge erred when he refused to recognize those violations as a basis for a determination that defendant had committed acts of domestic violence."

Tennessee Lt. Gov. Questions Freedom of Religion For Muslims

TPMDC reported yesterday that Tennessee Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, a candidate in the state's gubernatorial primary (currently running third), suggested in an answer to a question at a campaign event that Islam may not be protected by the Constitution's free exercise clause. Referring to a dispute over a zoning change to permit an Islamic center to be built in Murfreesboro (TN), (background from CNN) he said: "Now, you know, I'm all about freedom of religion. I value the First Amendment as much as I value the Second Amendment as much as I value the Tenth Amendment and on and on and on. But you cross the line when they try to start bringing Sharia Law here to the state of Tennessee -- to the United States. We live under our Constitution and they live under our Constitution." In a rambling answer, he also remarked: "Now, you could even argue whether being a Muslim is actually a religion, or is it a nationality, way of life, cult whatever you want to call it. Now certainly we do protect our religions, but at the same time this is something we are going to have to face."

Russian Prosecutors Open Criminal Prosecution Against Scientology Group

Today's Moscow Times reports that prosecutors in the Russian town of Shchyolkovo, northeast of Moscow, have opened a criminal prosecution against the Church of Scientology on the grounds that it is promoting extremism. The action follows an April decision by a Siberian court that added 28 works by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard to the country's list of extremist material. (See prior posting.)

Battle Over Conversion Law In Israel Takes 6-Month Pause

Today's Jerusalem Post carries an op-ed by Natan Sharansky, chairman of the Jewish Agency, reviewing the battle that has gone on for the past two weeks in the Israeli Knesset over proposed new legislation on conversion.  As reported by the New York Times on Friday, the bill began as an attempt to make conversion to Judaism easier for 300,000 Russian immigrants who came to Israel but are not considered Jewish under Orthodox religious law. The Knesset proposal did this by giving conversion authority to local rabbis around the country. However, when Orthodox authorities objected, the bill was amended to provide that Orthodox Jewish law would be the basis for conversion. That led to massive protests from the Jewish community in the United States who saw this as an attempt to undercut progress in litigation that had been made by the Reform and Conservative movements to have their conversions recognized. As the Knesset adjourned for the summer, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced a compromise under which both sides would negotiate for the next six months. Until January, no conversion law will be introduced in the Knesset, and litigation before Israel's Supreme Court by the Reform and Conservative movements will be suspended for the same period.

Reality Show Seeking Progressive Muslim Leader Is Popular In Malaysia

AP reported yesterday on a reality show that is garnering large audiences on an Islamic-themed cable channel in Malaysia. "Imam Muda" (Young Leader) is seeking a pious but progressive young Muslim man who can show that religion can remain relevant to Malaysian young people. The ten men, between 18 and 27, ultimately picked as contestants for the show are photogenic and could pass as models. The contestants are sequestered in a mosque hostel. The tasks they have performed, featured on different episodes, include performing Muslim ablutions on two unclaimed corpses and burying the bodies; and counseling residents of a shelter for women and homeless children. The ultimate winner will receive an all-expense paid pilgrimage to Mecca, an automobile, a position as prayer leader in a major mosque, a scholarship to study in Saudi Arabia and $6400 (US) cash.

Saudi Clerics Say Muslim Women In France Need Not Wear Veil

As France moves to ban the weraing of the burqa and niqab (see prior posting), Saudi Islamic jurisprudence scholar Mohamed al-Nujaimi and Saudi author and cleric Ayed al-Garni say that Muslim women living in France are exempt from the requirement to cover their face. Apparently so are tourists to France, but the clerics say that it is preferable to avoid visiting there and instead go to Muslim countries which permit the niqab. The two clerics are not members of the Saudi Senior Scholars Auhority which has not commented on France's actions. The comments come as the Louvre Museum in France, with the support of the Saudi government, has mounted a major display of Saudi artifacts. These developments were reported Friday by Reuters via Haaretz.

Recent Articles and Book of Interest

From SSRN:

• Ronald R.Garet, To Secure the Blessings, (USC Law Legal Studies Paper No. 10-11, July 19, 2010).
• Asim Jusic, Legal Regulation of Non-Mainstream Religious Groups: Perspectives from Economics and Social Psychology, (IWM Junior Visiting Fellows' Conferences, Vol. XXVIII, 2010).
• Farrah Ahmed, The Value of Faith, (Religion, State & Society, Forthcoming).
• Sahar F. Aziz, Sticks and Stones, The Words That Hurt: Entrenched Stereotypes Eight Years after 9/11, (New York City Law Review, Forthcoming).
• Alexander Tsesis, Preserving Tolerance While Remaining True to the First Amendment, (Loyola University Chicago School of Law Research Paper No. 2010-008, July 6, 2010).

New Book:

• Ruth Harris, Dreyfus: Politics, Emotion, and the Scandal of the Century, (Metropolitan Books, June 2010), reviewed in the New York Times.

Recent Prisoner Free Exercise Cases

In Muhammad v. Sapp, (11th Cir., July 21, 2010), the 11th Circuit denied a Muslim prisoner's objections under RLUIPA to prison authorities requiring him to wear a close-fitting uniform, refusing to let him have a Qibla compass, requiring him to shower in stalls where he could be seen by other inmates and prison officials, refusing to let him to have 16 gold crowns removed from his teeth, and refusing to provide him with a requested diet.

In Fletcher v. Whorton, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 71698 (D NV, March 22, 2010), a Nevada federal district court rejected a Wiccan inmate's claim under RLUIPA that his free exercise rights were substantially burdened when a prison refused to construct a sweat lodge for his use and give him access to raw meat for
Wiccan rituals.

In Young v. Smalls, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 72061 (SD CA, July 19, 2010), a California federal district court rejected an inmate's request for a kosher diet instead of the "religious vegetarian diet" he was receiving. The court found that plaintiff did not allege his request was tied to a religious belief; instead he thought a kosher meal was more sanitary.

In Giron v. Garcia, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 72491 (D NV, July 19, 2010), a federal district court adopted a magistrate's recommendations (2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 72490, June 2, 2010) and held that plaintiff had adequately exhausted his administrative remedies in seeking permission to have his prayer blanket.

In Shoucair v. Warren, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 72932 (ED MI, July 20, 2010), a Michigan federal district court accepted a magistrate's recommendations (2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 72931, May 25, 2010), holding that plaintiff was improperly attempting to force his 8th Amendment claim into a claim under RLUIPA. AT issue was an assault on plaintiff by another inmate because of disagreement between their Muslim and Moorish Science religious groups.

In Wallace v. Miller, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 73340 (SD IL, July 20. 2010), an Illinois federal district court denied a preliminary injunction to an inmate who was a Satmar Hasidic Jew, finding that he was unlikely to succeed on the merits in his challenge to various limitations on his ability to practice his religious customs. Various accommodations had already been made, and the other restrictions were reasonable limitations in light of penological interests.

In Howard v. Epps, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 72994 (SD MS, July 20, 2010), a Mississippi federal district court adopted a magistrate's recommendations (2010 U.S.Dist. LEXIS 73034, March 12, 2010) and dismissed a Rastafarian prisoner's allegations that he was discriminated against because of his dreadlocks and was wrongly informed he could not grow dreadlocks.

In Cotton v. Cate, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 73878 (ND CA, July 19, 2010), a California federal district court permitted plaintiff, a member of the Shetaut Neter religion, to proceed with his RLUIPA and equal protection claims alleging that prison authorities failed to furnish him a vegan diet as required by his religious beliefs.

In Scott v. Goodwin, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 73610 (WD LA, July 21, 2010), a federal district court adopted a magistrate's recommendations and dismissed as frivolous a claim by a Muslim prisoner that his First Amendment rights were violated when he was told that he would be confined to his cell for his entire period of imprisonment if he refused to be vaccinated.

In Neal v. Campbell, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 74053 (ED CA, July 21,2010), a California federal magistrate judge rejected an inmate's complaint that he was placed in administrative segregation for becoming an "ameer" (a Muslim leader) at the prison, as authorities had previously threatened to do. The court concluded that becoming an ameer was not a central mandate of plaintiff's religion. It also found that defendants have qualified immunity.

DC Circuit OKs "In God We Trust" On U.S. Currency

In a brief opinion last week, the D.C. Circuit in Kidd v. Obama, (DC Cir., July 21, 2010), affirming the district court (see prior posting), held that appellants had not demonstrated that printing the national motto "In God We Trust" on U.S. currency is a violation of the Establishment Clause.

Paper Reports On Growth of Liberty Institute

Today's Dallas Morning News reports on the growth of the Plano, Texas based Liberty Institute since its founding in in 1997. Its budget has increased to $2 million and it has 20 staffers plus volunteer lawyers across the country to help it litigate from a conservative Christian perspective on religious speech, free exercise and other national conservative issues. It became know initially for its litigation to allow students to distribute religious-themed candy cane pens in local schools. (See prior posting.) It also filed suit on behalf of Alaska legislators to attempt to prevent the release of a report that accused former Alaska governor Sarah Palin of abuse of power for her role in the firing of a state trooper. Liberty Institute's president Kelly J. Shackelford sees the group's main target as the ACLU.

High School Will Not Spend Money To Fight ACLU Over Prayer Banner

Fox News yesterday reported that a Cranson, Rhode Island high school will remove or change the wording on a banner that has hung in its auditorium since 1956 rather than spend the amount that would be necessary to fight church-state objections by the ACLU. The banner features a prayer to "Our Heavenly Father" to grant students the desire to do their best, to be good sports and to be kind and honest and know true friendship. The School Committee plans to discuss the matter with the ACLU to see if they can agree on compromise language.

University Police Officer Files Religious Discrimination Complaint With EEOC

Today's Baltimore Sun reports on an EEOC complaint that has been filed by a Towson University Police Force officer claiming religious discrimination. John David Brown, a convert to Orthodox Judaism, refused to work on his Sabbath from sundown Friday to Sundown Saturday. Brown claims that the University has backed off a settlement reached in 2006 and fired him two years ago rather than accommodate his religious beliefs. The University says Brown failed to show up seven times for work on the Sabbath and Jewish holidays on which the force was too thinly staffed to accommodate his request for time off. The University's disciplinary
board says Brown failed to seek voluntary exchange of days with other officers.

Judge's Handling of Juror Objection To Oath Becomes Primary Election Issue

In Port Angeles,Washington, an incumbent judge's handling of an objection by a juror to being sworn in using the phrase "so help me God" has become an issue in this year's primary election. Today's Peninsula Daily News reports that at a voters' forum, Tim Davis, one of the candidates for Clallam County District Court 1 judge, accused one of his opponents, Judge Rick Porter, of embarrassing Gail Smith, a juror in a DUI trial, by insisting that she include the phrase in the oath. Smith wrote a note to the judge during a break in the trial, saying that swearing in the name of God was like swearing in the name of Santa Claus. When the jurors returned from lunch, Judge Porter had Smith called out of the jury room and questioned her on whether her anger at being sworn in would affect her ability to act as a juror. Smith said it would not. In Washington state, use of the phrase is optional. Judge Porter, who only vaguely recalls the incident, says it did not happen the way Davis charges. He says he apologized to Smith, telling her that it was part of the script and that he did not mean to offend her. Smith however insists that she was embarrassed by being called out and having to sit alone in the jury box, with attorneys and others present, while Judge Porter explained.

French Swim Resort Rules Bar "Burkinis"

With a ban on wearing of burqas in public about to see final passage in France (see prior posting), the London Mail today reports that two Muslim women were ordered out of a swimming pool in the southern French city of Port Leucate for wearing "burkinis". These are swim garments that cover the entire body, including a veil over the head. A regional government official said that the action stemmed from a violation of the vacation resort's own rules that require men and women to wear ordinary swim wear for hygienic reasons. Police were called in when the husband of one of the women threatened the pool's lifeguard with a bowling ball. He eventually backed down, and the couples left the pool with no charges being filed. (see prior related posting.)

New California Poll Probes Views On Same Sex Marriage By Religious Affiliation

On Wednesday, the Public Religion Research Institute released a poll examining religous-based attitudes about same-sex marriage among Californians. (Full text of poll report.) (Full text of questions and percentage responses.) Here are some excerpts from the press release's summary of poll findings:

•If another vote similar to Proposition 8 were held tomorrow, a majority (51%) say they would vote to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry....

• There are major religious groups on both sides of the debate.... Solid majorities of Latino Catholics and white mainline Protestants say they would vote to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry, while solid majorities of white evangelical Protestants, Latino Protestants, and African American Protestants say they would vote to keep same-sex marriage illegal.

• An overwhelming majority of Californians, and majorities of all major religious groups except Latino Protestants, say they both favor laws that would protect gay and lesbian people from job discrimination and favor allowing gay and lesbian people to serve openly in the military (75% and 69% respectively). A majority (56%) of Californians favor adoption rights for same-sex couples.

• .... A majority of Latino Catholics (57%) say they would vote to allow gay and lesbian couple to marry, compared to just 22% of Latino Protestants. The Catholic-Protestant divide in the Latino community is evident across a wide range of public policy issues related to gay and lesbian rights.

• In the wider California religious community, there are also significant Catholic-Protestant differences in the frequency with which each group hears about the issue of homosexuality from their clergy. Protestants are significantly more likely to hear about the issue than Catholics.... Mainline Protestants are the only major religious group that is more likely to hear positive than negative messages about homosexuality from their clergy.

• The messages about homosexuality that Californians hear at their place of worship are correlated with their views on same-sex marriage....

Conservative Groups Want A Piece of Oral Argument On National Day of Prayer

In April, the U.S. Justice Department filed an appeal with the 7th Circuit in Freedom from Religion Foundation v. Obama, a case in which the district court held that the statute creating a National Day of Prayer violates the Establishment Clause. (See prior posting.) Now, however, the Family Research Council and the Liberty Institute which filed an amicus brief on behalf of a number of conservative organization yesterday announced that they have also filed a motion for leave to participate in oral argument. The groups contend that the Justice Department's brief does not go far enough in defending the statute. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins said:

The President's attorneys failed to cite any of the key cases that would require immediate dismissal of this lawsuit because the plaintiffs lack standing to bring it. FRC plans to mount a robust defense of this important national event that a liberal judge has attempted to scrub from the public square.

Graduate Student Sues Over Attempt To Impose Remediation Plan To Change Her LGBT Beliefs

A graduate student in the counseling program at Augusta State University in Georgia filed a civil rights lawsuit Wednesday alleging that her free speech, free exercise, equal protection and due process rights were infringed by conditions imposed on her in order for her to remain in the University's program. The complaint (full text) in Keeton v. Anderson-Wiley, (SD GA, filed 7/21/2010), alleges that the school required student Jennifer Keeton to undergo a remediation program because her Christian beliefs regarding homosexuality are inconsistent with counsellor's' code of ethics and with research that shows that sexual orientation is not a lifestyle or choice, but is a state of being. The faculty claimed that Keeton's beliefs reflect an improper professional disposition toward potential gay and transgender clients. Keeton's attorneys also filed a memorandum in support of her motion for a preliminary injunction (full text). Alliance Defense Fund issued a press release announcing the filing of the case.

Florida Church Will Mark 9/11 With Burning of Qurans

Religion News Service reported yesterday that the Dove World Outreach Center, a non-denominational church in Gainesville, Florida, plans to host an "International Burn A Quran Day" on this year's anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. In response to a Facebook posting, people have been mailing Qurans to the church for it to burn. The church's pastor, Terry Jones, author of a book titled "Islam is the Devil," said that protests are a central purpose of his church. He said the goal is to give Muslims an opportunity to convert. This year, Sept. 11 coincides with the Muslim feast of Eid-al-Fitr.

Court Says Temple's Board Failed To Authorize Borrowings

In Brighton Way, LLC v. Queen Esther's Temple, Inc., (NY Sup. Ct., July 9, 2010), a New York trial court dismissed plaintiff's attempt to recover $140,000 allegedly due under a note from Queen Esther's Temple, a religious organization. The note was secured by a mortgage, and in a prior action the court held the mortgage failed to comply with provisions of the New York Not-For-Profit Corporation Law that requires court approval for a religious corporation to mortgage or sell its property. In that proceeding, the court found the entire transaction highly suspect, suggesting that the individual signing the note profited personally. Following that decision, plaintiff commenced an action to confirm the mortgage and note nunc pro tunc. However the court found no evidence that Board of Trustees of Queen Esther's Temple approved the mortgage or note, or authorized it to be signed by the individual purportedly signing as chairman of the board.

Group Asks IRS To Investigate Campaign E-mail By Non-Profit Religious Group

Americans United announced yesterday that it had sent a letter (full text) to the Internal Revenue Service asking it to investgate a non-profit group "Reclaiming Oklahoma for Christ." The 501(c)(3) group distributed an e-mail urging attendance at a June campaign rally for state Rep. Sally Kern who is running for re-election. The e-mail warned that the campaign pitted Kern, "an outspoken Christian, pro-family representative" against "an individual who has had a sex change operation" who was recruited by the "homosexual lobby" to run against Kern. Non-profit groups are precluded by federal tax law from intervening in partisan political campaigns.

Personhood Amendment Favored In Georgia Republican Primary Straw Poll

WTVM News and a press release from Georgia Right To Life report that in Tuesday's primary election in Georgia, the Republican primary ballot in 47 counties included a non-binding vote on a "personhood" amendment to the state constitution. The question read: "Do you support an amendment to the Georgia state constitution so as to provide that the paramount right to life is vested in each human being from the earliest biological beginning until natural death?" In Butts county, the Democratic primary ballot also contained the same question. The measure passed in every county. The lowest support was in DeKalb County (60%), while the highest support was in Jeff Davis County (92%). Georgia Right To Life plans to use the straw poll results to encourage the legislature to place a Personhood constitutional amendment on the ballot in 2012.

AJCongress, Leading Church-State Advocate, Suspends Operations After Financial Losses

Today's New York Jewish Week reports that the American Jewish Congress, an advocacy group known for its expertise on church-state issues, has suspended operations due to financial problems. AJCongress lost $21 million of its $24 million endowment in the 2008 Bernard Madoff Ponzi scheme. (See prior posting.) The AJCongress demise is also blamed on changes made in the 1990's by Jack Rosen, a successful businessman who served as president of the group. JTA reports that some activities by AJCongress continue with staff hoping that the organization is not totally dead. Controversy surrounds the Board's failure to unrestrict remaining funds to pay AJCongress employees before final layoffs last Thursday. (Forward). An op-ed published last week in the Forward traces the long history of AJCongress, including its leading role in supporting church-state separation in Supreme Court litigation. During the 1950's and 1960's, AJCongress' Leo Pfeffer was the pre-eminent church-state litigation strategist nationally for the Jewish community.

Nigerian Lawsuit Claims Ban on Child Marriage Restricts Muslims' Religious Freedom

In Nigeria earlier this month, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP) forwarded to the Attorney General for possible prosecution its findings that Ahmed Sani Yerima, former governor of Zamfara state and a member of the Nigerian Senate, violated the Nigerian Child Rights Act of 2003 when he married a 13-year old Egyptian girl after paying a very large dowry. (Next 7/21). Now, according to AFP and ThisDay, the Registered Trustees of Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria has filed suit in the Federal High Court seeking a declaration that Yerima's right to privacy and his right to practice his religion have been violated by NAPTIP's investigation and planned investigations by the National Human Rights Commission and parliament. The suit alleges that the Child Rights Act is unconstitutional because Muslim religious law permits Yerima to marry up to four wives with no restriction on age. The Sharia group's lawyer says that a Muslim may "even marry a child in the womb of her mother."

Court Refuses To Enjoin Graduation Ceremonies In Church Building

In Does 1, 7, 8 and 9 v. Elmbrook Joint Common School District No. 21, (ED WI, July 19, 2010), a Wisconsin federal district court refused to permanently enjoin a Wisconsin school district from holding graduation ceremonies in a church. The court rejected the claim of unconstitutional coercion, saying: "plaintiffs unease and offense at having to attend graduation ceremonies at the Church and face religious symbols, while in no way minor, is not enough." Responding to plaintiffs' argument that the practice amounted to government endorsement of religion, the court said:

the District's decision to hold graduation ceremonies and the senior honors event in a house of worship holds symbolic force. However, considering the totality of circumstances, the reasonable observer would fairly understand that the District's use of the Church for these events is based on real and practical concerns, and not an impermissible endorsement of religion.

Finally the court also rejected plaintiffs arguments of excessive entanglement and unconstitutional use of taxpayer funds to support religion. (See prior related posting.)

Spain Rejects Broad Ban on Burqa

AP reports that Spain's Parliament on Tuesday defeated a bill that would have banned women from wearing the burqa in any public place. The lower chamber defeated the bill by a vote of 183 no to 162 yes with 2 abstentions. However the ruling Socialist government, whose legislators opposed the total ban, plans to introduce a narrower bill this fall that would merely ban wearing the burqa in government buildings. Mansur Escudero, president of the Islamic Commission of Spain, said he does not know of any Muslim women in Spain who currently wear the burqa on a regular basis.

10th Circuit Makes Minor Changes In RLUIPA Zoning Opinion

On Monday, the 10th Circuit largely denied a petition for a limited panel rehearing in a RLUIPA church zoning case. In Rocky Mountain Christian Church v. Board of County Commissioners of Boulder County, Colorado, (10th Cir., July 19, 2010), the court made two modifications in its original opinion, changing language relating to the propriety of jury instructions. However the outcome of the case remained the same-- the court held that sufficient evidence was presented at trial to justify the jury's determination that the denial of a special use application to Rocky Mountain Christian Church violated the equal terms and unreasonable limitations provisions of RLUIPA. (See prior posting.) Yesterday's Longmont (CO) Times Call reported on the decision.

Germany Plans University Level Programs To Train Muslim Religious Leaders

Today's Chronicle of Higher Education reports on efforts launched in Germany to integrate its large, mostly-Turkish, Muslim population. A key part of the plan is to create a generation of German-trained imams. The German Council of Science and Humanities is creating a group of academic institutes at state-financed colleges to critically examine Islamic theology and teach it in a German university setting to future imams, male and female religious teachers, public intellectuals, scholars and faith-based social workers. The German Muslim community will have a substantial voice in the curriculum and management of the institutes.

Paper Carries Series On Conservative Christian Moves On Education In British Columbia

The Tyee this week is running a 5-part series excerpted from Marci McDonald's The Armegeddon Factor on how the Christian right is building political power in Canada. The articles focus particularly on the central role of British Columbia in the push to move Canada away from a secular public culture. Yesterday's installment focuses on the opposition by evangelical and Catholic parents to the introduction into B.C. schools of an elective course designed to combat homophobia and other bigotry, as well as battles over story books in elementary schools that depict gay families. Today's installment focuses on the rise of private religious schools in B.C. and Alberta, both of which give tuition assistance to children in accredited private schools. Tomorrow the paper will look at the rise of Christian home schooling in the province.

Indonesians Told To Shift Prayer Direction

Due to a mistake by the Indonesian Ulema Council, Indonesia's highest Islamic authority, Muslims in the country have been facing the wrong direction for prayers for several months. Today's New Zealand Herald reports that in March, the Council ruled that Mecca was due west of Indonesia. But that actually had worshippers facing southern Somalia and Kenya. Now the Council has revised its calculations and has ruled that worshippers should face northwest instead. Apparently the original error was caused by the Council acting too hurriedly. A senior Council cleric, however, assured Muslims that their prayers were heard even when they were facing the wrong way.

RLUIPA Lawsuit Challenges Delay In Formal Zoning Variance Denial

A RLUIPA lawsuit was filed last week against the Borough of Pemberton, New Jersey by the Apostolic Church of Deliverance that applied for a zoning variance over six months ago. According to a press release yesterday from Mauck & Baker, the law firm which filed the suit, Borough officials have clearly indicated that they will deny the application from the largely African-American church. However Pemberton continues to withhold publication of a formal zoning decision. Pemberton officials have instead urged the church to rent a local elementary school to use for worship services. The lawsuit seeks over $1 million in compensatory damages plus $1 million in punitive damages.

Syria Becomes First Muslim Country To Impose A Burqa Ban

Britain's Daily Star today reports that Syria has become the first predominately Muslim country to ban the wearing of the burqa in public. The ban will initially apply only in universities. The government ordered universities to ban niqab-wearing women from registering. However the government plans to extend the ban on wearing the full face veil to other places as well. Syria's government says that the Burqa encourages Islamic extremism. The ban does not apply to wearing of the hijab, or headscarf. Opponents of the ban say it violates freedom of religion and demonizes Muslims.

Evangelicals Are Backing Obama's Call For Immigration Reform

Today's New York Times reports that a group of influential Christian evangelical leaders are supporting President Obama's call for comprehensive immigration reform. The umbrella group, the National Association of Evangelicals, is in the lead. While these Christian conservatives are usually on the other side on most of President Obama's policies, here they agree with him and are openly supporting him through sermons, conference calls with other pastors, and Congressional testimony. Politically active Hispanic evangelical pastors are largely responsible for convincing other evangelical clergy that immigration reform should be a moral priority. (See prior related posting.)

New Holy See Permanent Observer To UN Named

Zenit reported yesterday that Pope Benedict XVI has named Indian-born Archbishop Francis Assisi Chullikatt, apostolic nuncio to Iraq and Jordan, as the new permanent observer of the Holy See at the United Nations in New York. He succeeds Archbishop Celestino Migliore.

GI's Who Oppose Homosexuality Beginning To Look At CO Status As DADT To End

The New York Times reported last week that the impending end of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy is creating a new group of putative conscientious objectors. The Center on Conscience & War, which counsels GI's seeking to become conscientious objectors, has begun to receive calls from members of the military who say they consider homosexuality an abomination and want to become a conscientious objector because they cannot serve alongside gay soldiers. J.E. McNeil, the Center's director, says that this sort of objection does not fit within the legal requirements to become a CO. That requires religious opposition to participating in war in any form. (50 USC App Sec. 456(j)). The military personnel here are not objecting to participating in war; they are objecting to those with whom they are participating.

Oklahoma's November Ballot Will Include Constituitonal Amendment To Bar Courts' Use of Sharia Law

Yesterday's Tulsa World reports that Oklahoma's Nov. 2 ballot will include State Question 755 which would amend the state constitution to prohibit state courts from considering or using international law or Sharia law. (Ballot language.) Titled by the legislature the "Save Our State Amendment" (full text of HJR 1056), the proposed amendment reads:

The courts provided for in subsection A of this section, when exercising their judicial authority, shall uphold and adhere to the law as provided in the United States Constitution, the Oklahoma Constitution, the United States Code, federal regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, established common law, the Oklahoma Statutes and rules promulgated pursuant thereto, and if necessary the law of another state of the United States provided the law of the other state does not include Sharia law, in making judicial decisions. The courts shall not look to the legal precepts of other nations or cultures. Specifically, the courts shall not consider international law or Sharia law. The provisions of this subsection shall apply to all cases before the respective courts, including, but not limited to, cases of first impression.

State Rep. Rex Duncan who authored the proposal called it a pre-emptive strike since he is not aware of any Oklahoma case based on international or Sharia law. Razi Hashmi, executive director of the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said the proposal is motivated by anti-Muslim bigotry.

Amicus Briefs In Snyder v. Phelps Now Filed With Supreme Court

Last week, the remainder of the amicus briefs in Snyder v. Phelps were filed with the U.S. Supreme Court. (Links to Briefs from SCOTUS Wiki, plus additional amicus brief not linked there.) In the case, the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with the Westboro Baptist Church and its leaders that a $5 million judgment against them growing out of their picketing of the funeral of Iraq veteran Matthew Snyder violated their free speech rights. (See prior posting.) Fifteen amicus briefs have been filed-- 5 supporting Matthew Snyder's family, 7 supporting Westboro Church's rights, and 3 in support of neither party. Yesterday's York (PA) Daily Record reports on why the 7 groups supported Westboro even though they strongly disagreed with the substance of its message.

Sweden's New Education Law Restricts Confessional Schools and Home Schooling

Yesterday's Washington Times reports that a new education law enacted in Sweden last month will limit both home schooling and religious practices in "Confessional schools." The aim of the new law is to make schools across Sweden more uniform in offering a comprehensive and objective education. Home schooling will be banned other than in exceptional circumstances such as health reasons of distance from a school. The law also requires Sweden's religious schools to follow the same curriculum as secular schools and requires them to make all religious activities, including prayer and chapel services, optional. It is expected that families will challenge the new law in Swedish and European courts.

Recent Articles and Books of Interest

From SmartCILP & elsewhere:

• Michael L. Gompertz, Lawsuit Challenges Income Tax Preferences for Clergy, Tax Notes, July 5, 2010, pp. 81-94.
• Adam J. MacLeod, A Non-Fatal Collision: Interpreting RLUIPA Where Religious Land Uses and Community Interests Meet, [Abstract], 42 Urban Lawyer 41-93 (2010).
• Roederick C. White, Sr., How the Wheels Come Off: The Inevitable Crash of Irreconcilable Jurisprudence Laws Based On Orthodox Judeo-Christian Theology in a Pluralistic Society, 37 Southern University Law Review 127-183 (2009).
• Symposium. Intelligent Design and the Constitution. Articles by Patrick T. Gillen, Jay D. Wexler, Francis J. Beckwith, Elias Carr, Peter M.J. Hess, Russell F. Pannier, Thomas D. Sullivan, Casey Luskin, Joshua Rosenau and David K. DeWolf. 4 University of St. Thomas Journal of Law & Public Policy 1-353 (2009).

New Books:

• Jeffrey Ostler, The Lakotas and the Black Hills: The Struggle for Sacred Ground, (Penguin Library of American Indian History, July 2010).
• Hubert Wolf, Pope and Devil: The Vatican's Archives and the Third Reich, (Harvard Univ. Press, May 2010).
• Halyna Hryn, Churches and States: Studies on the History of Christianity in Ukraine, (Harvard Univ. Press, Sept. 2010).
• Mark Valeri, Heavenly Merchandize: How Religion Shaped Commerce in Puritan America, (Princeton Univ. Press, July 2010).

Recent Prisoner Free Exercise Cases

In Farrow v. Wrenn, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 70813 (D NH, July 14, 2010), a New Hampshre federal district court adopted a magistrate's recommendations (2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 68507, June 9, 2010), and allowed a Native American inmate to proceed with official capacity claims asserting 1st Amendment and RLUIPA violations. Plaintiff was not able to fully practice his Lakota religion because he needed weekly access to smudging herbs, the pipe, knicknick, and tobacco, and an opportunity to practice drumming.

In Swetokos v. Allen, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 68429 (SD FL, July 8, 2010), a federal district court adopted a magistrate's recommendation (2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 68450, June 7, 2010), and dismissed a complaint by a Buddhist (who was now out of jail) that he was denied a vegan diet. Authorities refused to provide the religious diet until the inmate documented his religious affiliation.

In Hamlin v. Smith, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 69205 (D CO, July 12, 2010) a Colorado federal magistrate judge dismissed 1st Amendment and RLUIPA claims by a Wiccan inmate. Plaintiff claimed that the prison failed to post notices of Wiccan services, that he was denied ritual tools and supplies, that the Wiccan group was forced to meet outside in cold weather, and that he feared retaliation for practicing his religion.

In Washington v. Brown, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 68986 (ED CA, July 10, 2010), a California federal magistrate judge recommended that a Muslim inmate be permitted to go to trial on his claim that his rights under the 1st Amendment and RLUIPA were violated when he was prevented for over two weeks in 2004 from participating in the Ramadan fast.

In Kindred v. Department of Mental Health, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 68851 (ED CA, June 17, 2010), a California federal magistrate judge ruled that a civil detainee may move ahead with his free exercise and RLUIPA claims that he did not have access to a Protestant chaplain, that a spiritual book of his was destroyed and that he was denied a prayer rug.

In Cain v. Caruso, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 70136 (ED MI, July 13, 2010), a Michigan federal district court adopted the recommendations of a federal magistrate (2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 69873, May 24, 2010) and dismissed a parolee's complaint that he was required to attend a religious-based substance abuse program as a condition of his parole. The court held that plaintiff's parole agent had absolute immunity for the testimony at plaintiff's parole proceeding. More broadly the court found no Establishment Clause violation because plaintiff was offered a secular alternative when authorities learned of his objections. Plaintiff refused it because of its distance from his home.

In Hunter v. Knapp, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 70328 (SD IL, July 13, 2010), an Illinois federal district court dismissed plaintiff's claims that while detained in jail, there were only Christian services and not Muslim ones, and that the jail did not allow inmates in segregation to worship with inmates from general population. The court held that plaintiff's religious beliefs were accommodated.

In Tucker v. Johnson, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 71249 (ND MS, July 15, 2010), a Mississippi federal district court rejected plaintiff's complaint that while in protective custody in jail, that plaintiff had requested, he was kept in his cell while other prisoners were at Sunday worship services.

In Sowemimo v. Bader, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 71181 (SD IL, July 15, 2010), an Illinois federal district court adopted a magistrate's recommendation (2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 71135, May 11, 2010) and dismissed for failure to exhaust administrative remedies plaintiff's claim that his prayer rug was confiscate, he was denied access to Islamic chapel services, and was not provided with post-fast meals during Ramadan.

Anti-Abortion Picketers Rights Violated When Ordrered To Put Down Graphic Signs

In Lefemine v. Davis, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 68725 (D SC, July 8, 2010), a South Carolina federal district court enjoined Greenwood County (SC) sheriff officials from imposing content-based restrictions on graphic anti-abortion depictions on signs carried by a Christian anti-abortion group. When the group picketed at the busiest intersection in the county, law enforcement officials ordered them to put down the signs because they were disturbing to young people. The court concluded that this amounted to a content-based restriction that was not narrowly tailored to further the compelling interest of protecting children. It therefore violated the free speech and assembly rights as well as the free exercise rights of the picketers from Columbia Christians for Life.

Court Says Mother's Religious Practices Inadmissible In Custody Dispute

Applying the rule that "a parent's religious beliefs and practices may not be considered by the trial court as a basis to deprive [a] parent of custody unless there is a showing of actual harm to the health or welfare of the child," a Kansas appellate court, in a 2-1 decision, has rejected a Muslim father's objections to granting of residential custody to his son's mother because of her practices as a Jehovah's Witness. In Harrison v. Tauheed, (KS Ct. App., July 16, 2010), Adiel Tauheed (who never married Monica Harrison, the mother of J.D.H.) argued that Monica's beliefs regarding blood transfusions threatened J.D.H.'s welfare in the future. He also argued that Monica's door-to-door proselytizing with J.D.H. was injurious to his welfare; that Jehovah's Witnesses refusal to celebrate birthdays, various holidays and salute the flag has led to social alienation; and that teachings regarding non-Jehovah's Witnesses are leading to parental alienation.

Judge Caplinger dissented, arguing that the trial court "erroneously concluded it could not consider factors relating to a parent's religious practices, even if those practices adversely impacted the child's interests."

Nevada Senate Candidate Sees Her Run As Religious Mission

Today's Las Vegas Sun describes the strong religious element in the U.S. Senate campaign of Republican Sharron Angle, who is seeking to unseat Senate majority leader Harry Reid. Angle has described her efforts as a calling from God. Angle also believes that religion should play a much more expansive role in government. The Sun article claims her views parallel those of Christian Reconstructionism.

Ministerial Exception Applied To Dismiss Prof's Racial Discrimination Claims

In Adams v. Indiana Wesleyan University, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 71403 (ND Ind., July 15, 2010), an Indiana federal district court applied the ministerial exception to dismiss a Title VII racial discrimination claim filed against a religiously-sponsored university by a former faculty member. Janice B. Adams, an African-American, was employed by Indiana Wesleyan University for 17 years as a Professor and Chair of the Social Work Department. The University describes itself on its website as "an evangelical Christian comprehensive university that is committed to liberal arts and professional education." Adams, who often clashed with her supervisor, claims she was subjected to severe and pervasive racial discrimination that led to her resignation. In dismissing her claim, the court said:

[W]hile Adams may very well have been free to present and discuss secular topics and issues in her classroom, it is also true that she was charged with incorporating the doctrine of the Wesleyan Church into her curriculum.... The fact that she claims she was forced to resign as a result of pervasive racial harassment as opposed to any sort of doctrinal or theological dispute does not take this case outside the parameters of the ministerial exception.

Scholar's Report Outlines To Canadian Court The Harms of Polygamy

As previously reported, in the Canadian provice of British Columbia the attorney general is asking the B.C. Supreme Court to rule on whether the province's anti-polygamy law is consistent with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Today's Vancouver Sun reports that a 45-page research paper by Canadian scholar Joseph Henrich has been filed with the court. The report concludes that polygamy increases crime, prostitution and anti-social behavior, increases inequality between men and women, results in less parental investment in children and in a general driving down of the age of marriage for all women.

Sikh Temple Must Be Removed For Violation of Restrictive Covenant

In Bollier v. Austin Gurdwara Sahib, Inc., (TX App., July 9, 2010), a Texas appellate court held that building of a Sikh Temple violated a subdivision's restrictive covenant that limited land use to single family dwellings. The Temple originally operated from a mobile home, but a new $150,000 building was constructed after the trial court rejected a challenge to it. The Court of Appeals reversed the trial court and remanded ordering entry of a permanent injunction barring construction of and ordering removal of the newly constructed Temple. Punjab Newsline Network today reports on the decision, saying that Sikhs are "shocked and outraged" at the order requiring the only Sikh temple in Austin, Texas be torn down.

India Party Leader To Appear On Charges of Depicting Herself As Goddess Durga

The Times of India today reports that a court in the city of Muzaffarpur has ordered India National Congress Party leader Sonia Gandhi to appear on charges that she hurt religious sentiments by depicting herself as the goddess Durga on a party poster in 2007. Two other Party officials have also been ordered to appear in court the same day. A similar complaint has already been dismissed by another court in 2008.

Bus Driver Sues After Being Fired For Refusing To Take Women To Planned Parenthood

Yesterday's Austin American-Statesman reports that a former bus driver has filed suit in federal court in Austin, Texas against the Capital Area Rural Transportation System claiming religious discrimination in employment. The bus system provides pickup on request for residents in rural areas. Driver Edwin Graning, who is also an ordained Christian minister, was fired after he refused to transport two women to a Planned Parenthood clinic because he thought he might be taking them to have an abortion. Graning claims CARTS had an obligation to accommodate his religious beliefs opposing abortion.

Group Calls For Painting To Be Removed From Show At Sacramento Law Library

The Sacramento (CA) Public Law Library is hosting an art show sponsored by California Lawyers for the Arts. According to today's Sacramento Bee, the 63-piece display, titled "A Creative Merger II: Justice and Peace," has generated complaints from the Pacific Justice Institute which says that a multi-media piece, "Moral Values", is anti-Christian. It shows a Bible with a label across the cover reading "Warning! May Impair Judgment." PJI is calling for removal of the painting, saying: "The purpose of the message is to directly attack and demean the foundation of the Christian faith. If this had been another faith, there would be outrage." The same artist also has two other entries in the show-- about the Middle East and Bosnia-- that are admittedly anti-religious.

DC Appellate Court Upholds Refusal To Allow Initiative On Defining Marriage

In Jackson v. District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics, (DC Ct. App., July 15, 2010), D.C.'s highest appellate court [corrected], in a 5-4 decision, upheld the Board of Elections and Ethics refusal to accept a petition seeking an initiative vote on a proposed amendment to D.C. statutes to bar the recognition of same sex marriages. The majority concluded:

The Council acted within its authority under the CAA [Charter Amendment Act] and the Home Rule Act in enacting the Human Rights safeguard of the IPA [Initiative Procedures Act] and in directing the Board not to accept initiatives that contravene that safeguard. Because appellants' proposed initiative would authorize, or have the effect of authorizing, discrimination on a basis prohibited by the Human Rights Act, it was not a proper subject of initiative. Therefore, the Board acted lawfully in refusing to accept the initiative on that basis.

A dissenting of 4 judges opinion argued that D.C City Council exceeded its authority when it imposed the "Human Rights Act limitation" on the right of initiative. [See prior related posting.]

Vatican Issues New Document on "Grave Delicts"

AP reports that the Vatican yesterday issued a new set of guidelines on handling of clergy sexual abuse claims and other "grave delicts." The document (full text) mostly codifies present practice. It extends the statute of limitations to 20 years, and provides for a possible extension beyond that on a case by case basis. It includes child pornography as well as sexual abuse as a grave crime. Critics were unhappy with the new document because it does not address the obligation of bishops to report abuse to civil authorities, does not provide for punishment of those who cover up abuse, and does not include a "one strike and you are out" policy. The document also classifies the ordination of women as a grave crime, subject to the same procedures as sex abuse claims, and also covers canonical crimes such as desecrating the Eucharist, violating the seal of the confessional, apostasy, heresy and schism.

10th Circuit: Ministerial Exception Covers Hostile Work Environment and Equal Pay Act Claims

In Skrzypczak v. Roman Catholic Diocese of Tulsa, (10th Cir., July 13, 2010), the 10th Circuit applied the "ministerial exception" to dismiss gender and age discrimination claims brought by the director of the Department of Religious Formation of the Tulsa Diocese. The court held that the ministerial exception doctrine applies to hostile work environment claims against a church brought under Title VII as well as to Equal Pay Act claims. [Thanks to Steven H. Sholk for the lead.]

Texas Survey Shows Dissatisfaction With State School Board Curriculum Battles

Texas Freedom Network on Tuesday released the results of a state-wide survey conducted in May that showed most Texans want an end to the divisive curriculum battles that have been a part of the operations of the Texas State Board of Education. (See prior posting.) 72% of likely voters want teachers and scholars, not politicians, to be responsible for writing curriculum standards. 68% of those surveyed say that separation of church and state is a key constitutional principle, but 49% want religion to have more influence in public schools. 55% oppose publicly funded vouchers that permit students to attend private religious schools. Wall of Separation also reports on the survey.

Court Rejects Religious Challenge To Social Security Numbers

In Hill v. Promise Hospital of Phoenix, Inc., 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 68884 (D AZ, July 7, 2010), an Arizona federal district court rejected plaintiff's complaints about federal laws that require him to provide a potential employer with a social security number. He says that defendant hospital refused to hire him because he would not comply with that requirement. Plaintiff claims that a social security number is an asset of a state-sponsored religion in violation of the Establishment Clause, and that a social security number is the "mark of the beast," the forced use of which violates his right to privacy. In the lawsuit, plaintiff sought to enjoin the federal government from enforcing the laws that require use of a social security number. The court dismissed those claims on sovereign immunity grounds. Insofar as they were based on a religious discrimination claim under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the court found that the federal government's actions did not interfere with plaintiff's employment opportunities. Also plaintiff failed to sue within 90 days after receiving a right to sue letter from the EEOC. Additionally the court concluded that granting relief would involve the interfering with the collection of taxes in violation of the federal Anti-Injunction Act.

Church Leader's Conviction For Simulating Legal Process Is Upheld

In Runningwolf v. State of Texas, (TX App., July 12, 2010), a Texas state appellate court upheld the conviction of Michael Runningwolf for "simulating legal process." Runningwolf, who headed a local church, delivered a document styled "Non-Statutory Abatement" to Helen Coleman who had been awarded custody of three children, one of whom was her grandchild and another of whom was a great nephew. Other relatives, who belonged to Runningwolf's church, disliked the fact that Coleman had custody. The 10-page long Abatement was an attempt to undermine the state's custody order and convince those receiving it to submit the issue of custody to an ecclesiastical court in Texas. The court held that the evidence supported the conviction. The court also rejected the argument that the court lacked jurisdiction because the case involved internal church affairs. The court dismissed that claim because the person receiving the Abatement was not a member of Runningwolf's church.

Spainish Archbishop Says New Abortion Law Should Be Defied

In Spain, Catholic Archbishop Francisco Gil Hellin of Burgos has called for civil disobedience to defy the country's new abortion law that took effect this month. According to CNA yesterday, Hellin said in a letter:

Let’s be clear: this law is not a law, although it is presented as such by some politicians and lawmakers. It is no law because nobody has the right to take the life of an innocent human being. For this reason it is not obligatory. Moreover, it demands direct opposition without distinction.

The new law allows abortion without restriction in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, and allows 16 and 17 year olds to obtain an abortion without parental consent, though it requires parental notification. Suit has been filed in Spain's Constitutional Court to challenge the 14-week provision. (Yahoo! Health).

Justice Department Sues To Enjoin Fraudulent Church Tax Scheme

The U.S. Department of Justice announced yesterday that it has filed suit to enjoin a Utah man from continuing to operate a church-based tax fraud scheme. The civil complaint (full text) in United States v. Hartshorn, (D UT, filed 7/12/2010) was filed against Kevin Hartshorn, head of the Church of Compassionate Service. It alleges that Hartshorn tells its members that they can avoid federal income tax by becoming "ministers" of the church and taking a supposed vow of poverty. They transfer their property to the Church, but in fact the "ministers" maintain access to their funds. AP reports on the case.

Israeli Police Arrest, Release, Women's Rights Leader For Allegedly Reading Torah At Western Wall

Monday's Jerusalem Post reported that Israeli police released Anat Hoffman, the head of the Women of the Wall prayer group, after she was taken into custody on charges of violating a High Court ruling barring women from reading the Torah at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Women of the Wall organizes women's prayer groups at the Wall each month on Rosh Hodesh (the beginning of the new month). Hoffman's supporters say she was not reading from the Torah, but only holding it-- which is permitted under the High Court ruling-- when Kotel Police tried to take the Torah from her. A statement by the Masorti (Conservative) Movement criticized the strictly Orthodox haredim for turning the Western Wall from a national monument into "a synagogue that is managed according to fundamentalist views." Under Orthodox views, only men may read from the Torah at worship services. [Thanks to Joel Katz (Relig. & State In Israel) for the lead.]

French National Assembly Votes To Ban Burqa Anywhere In Public

The lower house of France's parliament, the National Assembly, yesterday passed a bill to outlaw the wearing of garments such as the niqab and burqa anywhere in public. BBC News reports that the ban on the full-face Islamic veil passed by a vote of 335-1 with with 221 members not voting. Many members of the opposition Socialist Party, who wanted the ban limited to public buildings, abstained rather than voting no under pressure from supporters of the bill. The Senate must also approve the bill before it becomes law. A vote is expected in September. Under the bill, women who wear a full-face veil will be fined up to 150 Euros ($188), while men who force their wives to wear a burqa face a fine of 30,000 Euros ($37,700) and one year in jail. Only around 2000 women in France wear the burqa, though many French Muslims oppose the new law. The Council of State says the new law may be unconstitutional. Meanwhile a French businessman, Rachid Nekkaz, who thinks the law is unconstitutional says he will set up a fund of 1 million Euros to help women who violate the law pay their fines.

Appeal To 9th Circuit Filed In Challenge To Religion At Community College

An appeal was filed with the 9th Circuit yesterday in Westphal v. Wagner, a federal lawsuit against California's South Orange County Community College District challenging the practice at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo of opening various sorts of official events-- some of them mandatory for students-- with prayers. (See prior posting.) In May, a federal district court denied a preliminary injunction against invocations at this year's graduation ceremonies. (See prior posting.) Plainitiffs' brief (full text) before the 9th Circuit argues that the district court incorrectly denied an injunction. Opposing Views reports on the appeal.

Prayer Over Co-Worker's Cubicle May Need To Be Accommodated Under Title VII

In Shatkin v. University of Texas at Arlington, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 68500 (ND TX, July 9, 2010), a Texas federal district court refused to dismiss a suit by two former development office employees at the University of Texas who were fired for praying over a fellow-employee's cubicle, and rubbing olive oil on the employee's metal doorway, in an after work-hours ceremony. The employees brought suit under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act alleging that the University failed to accommodate their need to pray over the cubicle. The two requested an accommodation as soon as they learned that their activities violated the University's property and anti-harassment policies. The court held that the employees did not need to inform the University of their need for an accommodation before they engaged in the prayer ceremony. (See prior related posting.)

Obama Statement Read At Srebrenica Genocide Commemoration

Last Sunday, the White House released a statement from President Obama (full text) marking the 15th anniversary of the genocide of 8000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys by Seb troops at Srebrenica. The President called the genocide "a stain on our collective conscience." CNN reports that a U.S. delegation read the President's statement at ceremonies in Bosnia-Herzegovina marking the anniversary. The ceremony included the burial of 775 more recently-identified genocide victims at the Centre Potocari, the official Srebrenica Genocide Memorial.

Suit Challenges Christian Prayer At Florida City Council Meetings

According to the Lakeland (FL) Ledger, Atheists of Florida yesterday filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Lakeland, challenging its practice of opening City Commission meetings with prayer. The complaint (full text) in Atheists of Florida, Inc. v. City of Lakeland, Florida, (MD FL, filed 7/12/2010), alleges that the city specifically seeks out Christian (almost exclusively Protestant) clergy to offer invocations during city commission meetings, with the purpose and effect of endorsing religion and creating excessive entanglement with religion. It seeks a declaratory judgment and injunction claiming that the practice violates the Establishment Clause of the federal and state constitutions, denies Equal Protection to non-believers and non-Christians, and compels those in attendance to express either agreement or opposition to government sponsored prayer by standing, bowing one's head or remaining seated.

Muslim Woman Sues NJ Hospital For Discrimination

WTVO News yesterday reported on a religious discrimination lawsuit filed by a New Jersey woman against the Somerset Medical Center in Somerville (NJ). Rona Mohammedi, a Muslim, came to the medical center in February with severe chest pains. When she was told she would need an electrocardiogram, for religious modesty requirements she asked for a woman to perform the test. Mohammedi claims that instead of treating her, the hospital left her in the Emergency Room for five hours until her husband requested a transfer. Hospital lawyers say Mohammedi left the facility against medical advice.

A Note To Religion Clause Readers

A wonderful thing about the blogosphere is that the physical location of blogger and readers is largely irrelevant. Nevertheless, a writer's geographical location can influence content in subtle ways. So I wanted to let Religion Clause readers know that I am now based in Atlanta, Georgia instead of Toledo, Ohio. I retain my University of Toledo emeritus connection, so in a sense I have feet in both north and south. --- HMF

Russian Organizers of Offending Art Show Convicted, Fined

In Russia today, two organizers of the 2007 Forbidden Art exhibit at the Sakharov Museum in Moscow were found guilty "committing acts aimed at inciting national hatred and strife," according to reports by BBC News and the Moscow News. Designed to display works of art that had been banned from major museums in 2006, the exhibit included several paintings of Jesus. In one, Jesus' disciples were depicted as Mickey Mouse; in another, the crucified Jesus' head was replaced by the Order of Lenin medal. Complaints over the exhibit were filed by the Russian Orthodox Church and an ultra-nationalist group. (See prior posting.) While the defendants faced possible prison sentences, they were instead merely fined. The Tagansky District Court fined Yury Samodurov, former head of the Sakharov Museum, 200,000 rubles ($6500), while contemporary art expert Andrei Yerofeyev was fined 150,000 rubles ($4870). Last month Yerofeyev wrote the Russian Orthodox Church apologizing for any unintentional offense cause to Christians by the show. Last week 13 prominent Russian artists had appealed to Russian President Dimitry Medvedev to stop the trial.

UPDATE: CBC News (7/19) reports that Samodurov and Yerofeyev plan to appeal their convictions to the Russian Supreme Court and, if unsuccessful there, to the European Court of Human Rights.

Adjunct Prof of Catholic Thought Fired Over E-Mail On Homosexuality and Natural Law

Fox News reported Friday that the University of Illinois, Champaign, has fired an adjunct professor who taught courses on Introduction to Catholicism and Modern Catholic Thought because of an e-mail he sent to a student explaining the Catholic position on homosexuality. The professor, Ken Howell, who also then lost his job at an on-campus Catholic center, was not renewed at the end of Spring Semester after a student complained that an e-mail Howell sent to his students preparing for exams amounted to hate speech. Howell wrote: "Natural Moral Law says that Morality must be a response to REALITY. In other words, sexual acts are only appropriate for people who are complementary, not the same." Howell has taught at the University for nine years. He says he makes it clear to his students that he believes the Church views he teaches, but that students will not be graded on the basis of whether they believe them. The University said that Howell's e-mail violates the University's standards of inclusivity.

Recent Articles Of Interest

From SSRN:

• David Gan-wing Cheng, Wisconsin v. Yoder: Respecting Children’s Rights and Why Yoder Would Soon Be Overturned, (July 7, 2010).
• Katherine Biber, Bad Holocaust Art, (Law Text, Vol.13, pp. 226-259, 2009).
• Samuel D. Brunson, Rethinking Public Charities and Political Speech, (Loyola University Chicago School of Law Research Paper No. 2010-002, April 7, 2010).

From SmartCILP:

• Irus Braverman, Planting the Promised Landscape: Zionism, Nature, and Resistance in Israel/Palestine, 49 Natural Resources Journal 317-365 (2009).
• Holmes Rolston III, Saving Creation: Faith Shaping Environmental Policy, 4 Harvard Law & Policy Review 121-148 (2010).

Economic Collusion Leads To Price Spike In Saudi Arabia Before Ramadan

Ramadan begins this year on Aug. 10. Zawya today reports that in Saudi Arabia, where the weeks preceding the holy month are a high shopping season, prices on foodstuffs-- especially imports-- are increasing sharply because or collusion by two companies. The two companies, taking advantage of favorable exchange rates, have bought up huge stocks of food items from the sole agent for many imported food products. They now monopolize local food distribution networks. Prices for essential commodities have risen 25% in recent weeks, and this could double by the time Ramadan begins.

Prayer At South Carolina County Council Meetings Becomes Controversial

Today's Spartanburg, South Carolina Herald Journal reports on the controversy over prayer at Spartanburg County Council meetings. The Council's chaplain-- Jerry Clevenger, a Sheriff's Office employee-- usually closes invocations by invoking Jesus' name. However, apparently the prayer policy provoked scrutiny when in March Councilman O'Neal Mintz filled in for the chaplain at one meeting and delivered a prayer condemning abortion and same-sex marriage. Now Unitarian minister Don Rollins is organizing a "silent protest" against opening meetings with Christian prayer, seeking to have prayers delivered by members of different faith communities. Council chairman Jeff Horton says that as a Christian he could not ask anyone not to pray in Jesus' name.

British Court Says Town Wrong In Suspending Foster Care License After Religious Conversion

In Britain, a High Court has forced the Council in the town of Gateshead to admit that it acted improperly in revoking the foster care license of a Christian woman. According to a release today by the Christian Institute, the Gateshead Council in 2008 deregistered the woman, who had been caring for foster children for ten years, preventing her from continuing to do so after a a 16-year old Muslim girl in her charge converted to Christianity. Lawyers for the woman argued that the Council's action failed to take account of the girl's freedom of religion. The license revocation has had a significant impact on the foster carer's financial situation.

Recent Prisoner Free Excercise Cases

In Penwell v. Holtgeerts, (9th Cir., July 7, 2010), the 9th Circuit remanded to the district court a claim that restrictions on an inmate's religious practice burdened his free exercise rights. The 9th Circuit had announced a new standard for determining this issue in another case subsequent to the district court's decision.

In Lewis v. Ryan, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 65258 (D AZ, June 9, 2010), an Arizona federal district court dismissed with leave to amend a prisoner's claim that his free exercise rights were violated when authorities denied his request for his retention funds to be used for a donation to a religious charity. He alleged his religion requires him to practice charity.

In Duran v. Patrick, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 65616 (D MA, June 30, 2010), a Massachusetts federal district court adopted a magistrate's recommendations (2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 65746, June 9, 2010) and dismissed for failure to exhaust administrative remedies an inmate's claim that a corrections officer destroyed and disposed of his religious articles to prevent him from practicing his Islamic faith.

In Taylor v. Pelican Bay, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 65996 (ND CA, July 1, 2010), a California federal district court rejected an inmate's claim that his free exercise rights were violated by a requirement that he identify his religion in order for the prison chaplain to verify his claim to need a religious diet. It also rejected his religious freedom claims based on occasional failures of his meal trays to include all items that should have been on the religious diet tray.

In Davis v. Flores, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 66691 (ED CA, July 1, 2010), a California federal district court refused to grant summary judgment to an inmate who complained that his rights under the free exercise clause and RLUIPA were violated by restrictions for a period of time on Muslim prisoners purchasing or possessing prayer oil and by suspension of religious services after the dismissal of a chaplain who had smuggled in contraband in prayer oil containers.

In Castle v. Hedgpeth, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 66514 (ED CA, June 30, 2010), a California federal magistrate judge recommended that an inmate be permitted to proceed with his challenge to enforcement of a prison regulation that prohibits Muslim inmates from purchasing or possessing prayer oil.

In Allen v. Jones, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 67207 (WD LA, July 6, 2010), a Louisiana federal district judge adopted the recommendations of a magistrate (2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 67247, May
7, 2010) and rejected plaintiff's claim that the Establishment Clause was violated by a policy that required inmates who left their cells during church call out to attend church services.

In Rider v. Yates, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 67612 (ED CA, June 15, 2010), a California federal magistrate judge permitted an inmate to move ahead with his claim that prison officials took a chalice that he had on a pagan altar in his cell, depriving him of the property in violation of his rights under the 1st Amendment and RLUIPA.

Suit Challenges Georgia Ban On Concealed Carry of Guns In Churches

Yesterday's Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that a gun rights group, its president, a Thomsaston (GA) Baptist church and its minister have filed suit in state court challenging Georgia's ban on carrying concealed weapons in churches. The complaint (full text) in Georgiacarry.org, Inc. v. State of Georgia, (GA Super. Ct., filed 7/7/2010), alleges that the ban interferes with the free exercise of religion by barring in places of worship activities generally permitted throughout the state. It also alleges that the ban infringes rights under the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The suit follows the U.S. Supreme Court's decision last month in McDonald v. Chicago, holding that the Second Amendment's individual right to keep and bear arms for self defense (subject to reasonable regulation) applies to the states as well as the federal government.

Commercial Use of Part of Religious High School Not Protected By RLUIPA

In New Life Worship Center v. Town of Smithfield Zoning Board of Review, 2010 R.I. Super. LEXIS 101 (RI Super. Ct., July 7, 2010), a Rhode Island trial court upheld the decision of a town zoning board to bar use of space in a high school operated by New Life Worship Center, a religious organization, for use as a commercial fitness center and dance studio. The court rejected New Life's claims under RLUIPA and Rhode Island's Religious Freedom Restoration Act that denial of a special use permit improperly created a substantial burden on the organization's exercise of religion. The court said in part:

The inability of New Life to operate the fitness center and dance studio as a commercial business to generate funds to support the parish and the building of the high school does not pose any significant pressure on the members of New Life. The members of the church are not being asked to conform their behavior in practicing their religion, nor are the religious activities of the church being compromised.... [T]he denial of the special use permit to protect the students of the high school from the regular entry into the building by members of the general public is a compelling governmental interest. The Zoning Board is not denying New Life the opportunity to practice ancillary activities on the property, but rather disallowing open access to the high school building in fear of the potential danger to the students.

Court Rules National Episcopal Church Entitled To Property of Break-Away Georgia Parish

In Rector, Wardens and Vestrymen of Christ Church in Savannah v. Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia, Inc., (GA Ct. App., July 8, 2010), a Georgia appellate court, applying neutral principles of civil law, held that the National Episcopal Church is entitled to the property of a local parish (Savannah's Christ Church) that disaffiliated and joined the more conservative Anglican Church of North America. The court concluded that Christ Church has made itself subject to the discipline and canons of the National Episcopal Church which impose a trust on parish property in favor of the National Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Georgia. The Savannah Morning News reported on the decision. [Thanks to John Chilton for the lead.]

5th Circuit: Texas RFRA Supports Long Braids In School For Native American Boy

In A.A. v. Needville Independent School District, (5th Cir., July 9, 2010), the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, in a 2-1 decision, held that the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act protects the right of a Native American kindergartner to wear his hair in two long braids. The majority held that the school’s proposed alternatives that the boy either wear his hair in a single braid tucked into his shirt or in a bun on top of his head were insufficient and offend a sincere religious belief held by the boy and his family.

Judge Jolly dissenting argued that the only religious requirement the boy put forward was that he must be allowed to wear his hair uncut, and the alternatives proposed by the school allowed him to do so. The added requirement that his long hair be visible, argued Judge Jolly, was “confected” by the majority “entirely on its own.” (See prior related posting.) [Thanks to Eugene Volokh via Religionlaw for the lead.]

New Louisiana Law Gives Churches Option To Permit Concealed Carry of Handguns

ABP reports that on July 6 Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal signed into law HB 1272 which repeals the total ban on carrying concealed handguns in churches and other houses of worship. Instead the new law which will take effect next month permits congregations to authorize those who hold valid concealed carry permits to bring their weapons into the church, synagogue or mosque. However the congregation must mandate an additional 8 hours of tactical training for anyone who will bring in a concealed handgun. The new law also provides that if the congregation authorizes concealed carry, the pastor, priest, minister or other authority must inform the congregation. This provision presumably has two interesting effects. First it requires that everyone in the congregation know that others may be armed. Second, because the law provides that the decision to permit concealed carry is to be made by the "entity which ... has authority over the administration of a church, synagogue or mosque," the law presumably requires that when a congregational board of trustees approves, a dissenting clergyman may not refuse to publicize the action.

Author Argues That Advocacy For Gay Rights Is A Religious Issue

While most of the public discussion of gay rights by religious leaders has come from those who believe the expansion of rights for same-sex couples threaten their religious liberty to oppose homosexual conduct, in the current issue of Tikkun Magazine, Jay Michaelson argues that support of LGBT rights is a religious mandate. His article Ten Reasons Why Gay Rights Is a Religious Issue, contends in part that "anti-gay forces are misrepresenting what the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament say, and thus distorting the word of God. This should be of concern to all religionists.... Gay rights is a religious issue because its use as a political wedge issue has distorted church teaching and politicized religion."

California Episcopal Diocese Sues Another Break-Away Parish

The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, California, continues to file lawsuits to reclaim property of break-away parishes. Episcopal Life reported today that the diocese has filed suit in state court against St. Paul's Anglican Church in Visalia, one of the 40 congregations that broke away to affiliate with the more conservative Province of the Southern Cone. The break-away parish is now affiliated with the Anglican Church in North America. The suit was filed after parish members refused to negotiate a return of the properties to the Episcopal Church. The diocese has previously sued four other break-away parishes as well as former bishop, John-David Schofield. (See prior posting.).

Russian Art Museum Curators On Trial For Inciting Religious Hatred

In Russia, the trial of two curators of the Sakharov Museum is coming to an end, and defendants are facing a sentence of up to three years in prison on charges of inciting religious hatred. AP yesterday reported that the charges stem from a 2007 "Forbidden Art" exhibit designed to display works of art that had been banned from major museums in 2006. Among the works of art were several paintings of Jesus. In one, Jesus' disciples were depicted as Mickey Mouse; in another, the crucified Jesus' head was replaced by the Order of Lenin medal. The exhibit closed a few days after it opened when a group of altar boys defaced a number of paintings. The Russian Orthodox Church and religious ultra-nationalist groups pressed prosecutors to file charges against the curators.

Village May Not Charge For Legal Advice To Zoning Applicant

According to today's Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record, a New York state trial court judge has ruled that the village of South Blooming Grove (NY) may not charge a Hasidic Jewish group for legal advice given to it by the village's special counsel about the group's application for zoning approval for use of former resort property in the village. (See prior posting.) The village charged the group $13,000 for past advice, and required another $7500 to continue reviewing its site plan. The group wants to open a yeshiva on former Lake Anne resort property club house. The village opposes the move, arguing in a counter-suit that the resort property is improperly subdivided.