Study Results Boost Faith-Based Prisons

Faith based programs in prison got a boost this month by a newly-published study. Prof. Kent R. Kerley, of the criminal justice department at the University of Alabama at Birmingham was lead author. The Washington Times yesterday reported on the study, conducted at the Mississippi State Penitentiary, which found that "religiosity" -- believing in a higher power, attending worship services regularly and participating in faith-based prison programs -- directly reduces inmate arguments, and indirectly then reduces the fights that typically follow arguments. The article, titled Religious Participation and Negative Prison Behaviors is in Vol. 44 Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, pp. 443-457. (Abstract). Co-authors with Dr. Kerley are Todd L. Matthews and Jeffrey T. Schulz.

House of Representative Supports Christmas Symbols

The Christmas wars found their way into Congress last week, as the House of Representatives on Thursday passed H. Res. 579 by a vote of 401 yeas, 22 nays, 5 voting present and 5 not voting:

Whereas Christmas is a national holiday celebrated on December 25; and Whereas the Framers intended that the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States would prohibit the establishment of religion, not prohibit any mention of religion or reference to God in civic dialog: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) recognizes the importance of the symbols and traditions of Christmas;
(2) strongly disapproves of attempts to ban references to Christmas; and
(3) expresses support for the use of these symbols and traditions, for those who celebrate Christmas.

Friday's Virginian-Pilot reported that the resolution was introduced by Rep. Jo Ann Davis, a conservative Christian member of Congress from Virginia. Speaking in favor of the proposal during House debate, Davis lamented, "Christmas has been declared politically incorrect." In response to concerns that her resolution amounted to government promotion of religion, Davis amended her original resolution to make clear that she wants to protect Christmas traditions simply "for those who celebrate Christmas."

Democratic Rep. Robert C. Scott, also from Virginia, accused Davis of being more concerned about the symbols of Christmas than the substance. He argued: "Instead of legislation that respects the spirit of Christmas, Congress in just these past few weeks has passed a budget that includes mean-spirited attacks on the least of us. For those who are hungry, we are cutting food stamps. For those who are sick, we are cutting Medicaid."

Alabama Bill To Permit Teaching About Bible

In Alabama, House Majority Leader Ken Guin has pre-filed HB 58 that, if enacted, will authorize public school systems to offer an elective course in grades 9-12 on the Bible's influence on history, arts and literature, according to Saturday's Montgomery Advertiser. The bill, however, has been criticized by some state school board members because it takes the unusual step of specifying the precise textbook that must be used in the elective course. It is The Bible and Its Influence, published by the Bible Literacy Project. (See prior posting.) The text book has been endorsed by advocates of church-state separation and by a wide spectrum of religious leaders. Nevertheless, some local school boards feel that their autonomy is threatened by the legislative imposition of particular books by title.

Muslim Prisoner Denied Right To Wear Beard

In Gooden v. Grain, 2005 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 32960 (ED Tex., Dec. 13, 2005), a Texas federal district court rejected the RLUIPA and equal protection claims of a Muslim prisoner who was prevented by the Texas prison system's grooming policy from growing a quarter-inch beard. The court held that the grooming policy did not not impose a substantial burden on the prisoner's practice of his religion. Alternatively, even if it did impose a substantial burden, it furthers the compelling governmental interest of security and does so by the least restrictive means. Finally the court found that the policy applied equally to all religious groups and was not adopted with the intent to discriminate against Muslims.

EU Says Spain Must End VAT Tax Exemption For Catholic Church

On Friday, the Commission of the European Union formally requested that Spain bring its tax arrangements with the Vatican in line with EU law. (EU Release.) It told Spain that EU tax law is violated by a 1979 agreement providing the Catholic Church an exemption from Spain's value added tax on the purchase of goods. Reporting on the development, Ireland Online pointed out that the EU did give Spain an alternative. Spain can charge the tax and then reimburse the Church for some or all of the tax that it has to pay.

Americans United Opposes Alito Nomination

On Friday, Americans United for Separation of Church and State issued a 22 page report opposing confirmation of Supreme court nominee Samuel A. Alito. (AU press release.) The report concluded:

Judge Alito has on occasion been solicitous of free exercise rights — at least for non-prisoners. On the other hand, he has given broad license to religious majorities to use the public schools and other official settings to broadcast their religious messages without regard for the competing rights and interests of religious minorities.... Both the straightforward holdings and the underlying tenor of Judge Alito’s decisions in Establishment Clause cases contrast sharply with Justice O’Connor’s views. Throughout her career on the Court, Justice O’Connor has been keenly attuned to the plight of religious minorities in society as a whole, and most especially in the public schools. But Judge Alito’s focus has been elsewhere: on religious majorities’ ability to express their views through governmental instrumentalities, at government owned facilities, and in government-organized enterprises like the public schools.

Helsinki Commission on Religious Freedom In Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

On Dec. 14, the U.S. Helsinki Commission held a formal briefing at the Rayburn House Office Building on Religious Freedom in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. An unofficial transcript of the briefing is available online. Covering the briefing, the Christian Post on Friday reported that the two countries criminalize unregistered religious activity while registering few groups that apply.

Muslims Seek Advance Relief To Prevent Border Searches

Seeking to avoid a repeat of problems they faced last year (see prior postings 1, 2 ), a group of Muslim-Americans, represented by the New York Civil Liberties Union, asked a federal judge Thursday to allow them to travel to and return from a religious conference in Toronto later this month without being fingerprinted, photographed and held for hours at the border. The Associated Press reported yesterday that the plaintiffs are seeking a court order prohibiting border agents from stopping and searching Muslim-Americans based solely on their attendance at the annual Reviving the Islamic Spirit conference in Toronto. Homeland Security officials acknowledged subjecting those returning from last year's conference to lengthy security checks, but said they had reason to believe that people associated with terrorism planned to attend the conference. Judge William Skretny said he would rule on the request before the December 23 start of the conference.

Student Can Give Classmates Candy Canes With Jesus Story Attached

In Mansfield, Texas Thursday, Jaren Burch, a fourth grader who was at first told that he could not hand out candy canes with a story of their connection to Jesus attached at his class' party, was able to do so. Today's Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the reversal by school officials came after the Liberty Legal Institute sent a letter to the school demanding that the student's first amendment rights be respected. A school district spokesman said that the teacher had gone a bit too far in trying to be sensitive to students with different backgrounds at this time of year. The student's father, Jason Burch said, "I'm sick and tired of people trying to pretend that Christmas is not about Christ. There wouldn't be a Christmas without Christ. It goes against my son's First Amendment right. If a Muslim student brought something, I would not have a problem. If it was something I didn't agree with, then I would simply throw it away."

By the way, Snopes.com says the claim that candy canes originated to represent the letter "J" and the purity and blood of Christ is a false urban legend. However, it says, candy canes do have a Christmas connection. A choirmaster in Cologne Cathedral in 1670 persuaded craftsmen to make sticks of candy bent at the end to represent shepherds' crooks so he could hand them out to restless youngsters who were attending ceremonies around a living creche.

Indiana Legislative Prayer Case Being Appealed

Yesterday the Associated Press reported that Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma is asking a federal judge to reconsider a decision prohibiting sectarian prayer in the Indiana House of Representatives. (See prior posting.) Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter filed a motion in federal district court in Indianapolis asking Judge David Hamilton to reconsider his recent opinion that found explicitly Christian invocations to be unconstitutional. The motion also asked the judge to stay his ruling pending the requested reconsideration. At the same time, the state filed formal notice of appeal in the case to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.

11th Circuit Hard On Evolution-Sticker Appellants In Oral Arguments

A panel of federal appellate judges were particularly harsh during oral arguments in the 11th Circuit yesterday as they heard an appeal of a district court case that held unconstitutional the placing of evolution disclaimer stickers on biology textbooks in Cobb County, Georgia. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Judge Ed Carnes dominated much of the 40-minute arguments by tearing apart sections of district Judge Clarence Cooper's January ruling. At the end of the arguments, Carnes took the highly unusual step of calling Atlanta lawyer Jeffrey Bramlett, who argued on behalf of five parents who sued the school board, back up to the podium and suggested he may have mislead the Court of Appeals in his legal brief filed with the court. The other judges on the panel were also critical of the lower court opinion. Judge Bill Pryor said that Cooper relied on facts that "are just contradicted by the record." Some of the debate turned on the relationship in time of the school board's decision to adopt the stickers and a petition from 2,300 individuals complaining about the district's science textbooks.

Anti-Conversion Bill To Be Introduced In Indian State

BosNewsLife reported yesterday that the government of India's eastern state of Jharkhand says it is introducing an anti-conversion law "to protect the culture and identity" of "tribal people", despite opposition from Christian groups. Nearly one-third of Jharkhand's predominantly Hindu population still belongs to tribal groups, each with its own customs and language. The proposed law will likely require government approval to change one's religion or to perform a ceremony of conversion. Jharkhand's only Christian cabinet minister, Enos Ekka, said, "I do not feel it is appropriate to introduce such a bill. In a secular country like India everyone has the right to live on the call of his conscience."

Utah Judge Issues Opinion On FLDS Trust

Yesterday's Deseret Morning News reports that Utah Third District Judge Denise Lindberg issued a 30-page ruling Wednesday that essentially eliminates any religious influence over the assets of a trust that emerged from the FLDS church, a secretive polygamous sect. The judge's decision lays the groundwork for the trust to operate independently. The decision provided that new trustees will not be subject to any particular religious authority; that if the trust is ever terminated, its assets will not go to the FLDS Church but will be used for the benefit of people who contributed the property; and that any reformation of the trust should be done in such a way that trust assets are not used for illegal purposes such as polygamy. Also in her decision, Lindberg appointed a board of advisers to help Bruce Wissan, the current count-appointed special fiduciary who is temporarily managing the trust. (See prior related posting.)

Reluctant Judge Upholds Prisoner's RLUIPA Claim

Last week, in a case that has been in the courts for five years, a Michigan federal district court sustained a prisoner' claim for injunctive relief under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Person's Act, while expressing strong disagreement with Congress' decision to enact the statute. Johnson v. Martin, 2005 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 32278 (WD Mich., Dec. 7, 2005), involved the Michigan Department of Corrections' classification of the Melanic Islamic Palace of the Rising Sun as a security threat group. This resulted in prison officials taking from prisoners all Melanic literature and materials. Plaintiffs contend , however, that Melanic Literature is essential to practicing their religion.

While rejecting plaintiffs' First Amendment free exercise claim, the court found that RLUIPA imposes a heavier burden on the government. Finding that a total ban on Melanic Literature is not the least restrictive means available to assure prison security, the court held that RLUIPA had been violated. But the court's unhappiness with RLUIPA was clear, as it said:

Congress has taken the Supreme Court's fears in Turner [v. Safley] and made them a reality. Courts are now "the primary arbiters of what constitutes the best solution to every administrative problem," as RLUIPA "'unnecessarily perpetuate[s] the involvement of the federal courts in affairs of prison administration.'"... RLUIPA obligates this Court to cast aside its doubts about the dubious role it will play in prison administration, and therefore, this [Court will] enjoin MDOC from totally banning Melanic Literature from its institutions.

Clergy Litigation Scholar Nominated To Bench

The President yesterday nominated University of St. Thomas Law Professor Patrick J. Schlitz to be United States District Judge for the District of Minnesota. The Associated Press reports that Schlitz has represented religious organizations in more than 500 clergy sex abuse cases. In 2003, Schlitz published an article in Boston College Law Review titled The Impact of Clergy Sexual Misconduct Litigation on Religious Liberty.

2005 Report on Legal Developments Affecting Faith-Based Initiative Released

The Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy has just released a 118-page study, The State of the Law 2005: Legal Developments Affecting Partnerships Between Government and Faith-Based Organizations. Written by George Washington University Law Professors Ira C. Lupu and Robert W. Tuttle, this is the Roundtable's fourth Annual Report on the law governing the Faith-Based and Community Initiative. This year's report is divided into four parts: (1) Changes In the Composition of the Supreme Court-- Significance for Government Partnership With Faith-Based Organizations; (2) Gulf Coast Hurricanes and the Special Problems of Emergency Responses; (3) Judicial Developments Affecting Government Partnerships With Faith-Based Organizations; and (4) Federal-State Relations and public Partnerships With Faith-Based Organizations.

New Jersey Removes Charitable Immunity In Sexual Assault Claims

New Jersey is one of only three states that grant charitable immunity from law suits to nonprofits that are sued by one of their beneficiaries. Yesterday's Jersey Journal reports that this is now about to change. The New Jersey Assembly has passed, and sent to the governor for his signature, S.540 . The bill removes immunity in claims against charities, including churches and religious nonprofits, for negligent hiring, supervision or retention of any employee where that results in a sexual offense being committed against a minor who was being served by the charity. [Thanks to Steven H. Sholk for the lead.]

Belarus Authorities Seek Political Support By Exempting Churches From Tax

Forum18 reports today that in Belarus, as the 2006 presidential elections approach, authorities are seeking support of religious organizations by exempting their property from tax. A December 1 decree signed by President Aleksandr Lukashenko exempts land occupied by houses of worship, "including diocesan offices, monastic complexes and theological schools." 3,025 named groups benefit from the exemption. However, many - predominantly Protestant - organizations still cannot obtain houses of worship, and some continue to be fined or warned for worshipping in private homes. A new amendment to the Criminal Code allows a 2 year prison sentence for participating in unregistered or liquidated religious organizations.

New York Health Department Warns of Danger In Disputed Circumcision Procedure

The Dec. 16, issue of the Jewish Week reports that New York City's Health Commissioner has issued an unprecedented public warning about a controversial circumcision procedure after a breakdown in an agreement the Department had with a Jewish religious court in Brooklyn. (See prior posting.) Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Frieden wrote "An Open Letter to the Jewish Community", saying: "there exists no reasonable doubt that metzitzah b'peh can and has caused neonatal herpes infection." Herpes can be fatal in newborns. The letter says that "the Health Department recommends that infants being circumcised not undergo metzitzah b'peh." The Health Department has also developed a Fact Sheet for parents, available in English online, and soon to become available in Yiddish and Hebrew. While the Health Department considered regulating the controversialal procedure, or requiring informed consent be obtained by Mohels using it, ultimately it opted for an educational effort.

Rabbi Moshe Tendler, a dean at Yeshiva University’s rabbinic school who is an expert in Jewish medical ethics with a doctorate in microbiology, has long opposed metzitzah b'peh as medically dangerous and unnecessary under Jewish law. However Rabbi Levi Heber, a mohel from the Lubavitch community where the procedure is often used, objected to the Health Department's initiative. "The concept of non-Jewish authorities trying to influence certain behaviors should not be accepted by anyone," he said. "You never know where it could lead."

Churches Attacked In New South Wales

Beginning last Sunday, as reported by the Guardian, violence broke out around Sydney, Australia between groups of white youths and members of the Muslim community. Today, The Australian reports that the riots have moved from race to religion. A community hall attached to a church was burned to the ground, carol-singers were spat on, and church buildings were hit with gunfire. In response, members of the Arab Christian and Arab Muslim communities have called for a week-end curfew for all Lebanese youths. Some have suggested that the violence against churches was an attempt to "shame" the city's Lebanese Christian community into supporting Lebanese Muslims in the racial conflict that began as a battle over use of suburban beaches. ABC news reports that in response to all of this, the New South Wales Parliament has been called into special session to enact laws giving police broad powers to deal with the situation.

Religious Activists Protesting Social Service Cuts Arrested At Capitol

Today at the Cannon House Office Building, U.S. Capitol Police arrested 115 liberal religious activists who were part of a peaceful sit-in protesting a Republican budget bill that would cut $42 billion over five years from a range of federal programs, including health care for the poor and elderly and possibly child care, student loans and food stamps. Reuters today reported on the developments and indicated that also local prayer vigils were being planned for today in 32 states by "Call to Renewal," a network of churches and other religious organizations. UPDATE: An article syndicated by the Chicago Tribune reports on remarks at the rally by Christian activist, Rev. Jim Wallis.

Meanwhile, this morning the Washington Post ran an article asking: "Why in recent years have conservative Christians asserted their influence on efforts to relieve Third World debt, AIDS in Africa, strife in Sudan and international sex trafficking -- but remained on the sidelines while liberal Christians protest domestic spending cuts?" Conservative religious leaders answer that by arguing that it is a matter of priorities, saying their primary attention is focused on issues of abortion, same-sex marriage and seating judges who will back their position against those practices. Others, such as Tony Perkins, president of the conservative Family Research Council, focus on the responsibility of the private sector: "There is a [biblical] mandate to take care of the poor. There is no dispute of that fact," he said. "But it does not say government should do it. That's a shifting of responsibility."

9th Circuit Rejects Religious Objections To Returning Hawaiian Artifacts

On Monday, in Na Lei Alii Kawananakoa v. Hui Malama I Na Kupuna O Hawai'i Nei, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld an earlier district court ruling involving a dispute between competing native Hawaiian groups over valuable burial artifacts. (See prior posting.) Both the Honolulu Star Bulletin and the Honolulu Advertiser report on the case which involves alleged violations of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. In a brief opinion, the appeals court upheld the lower court's preliminary injunction ordering Hui Malama, a Native Hawaiian group, to return 83 valuable burial objects to the Bishop Museum so 13 other claimants can help decide their final resting place.

The disputed objects were reburied in their original resting place at Kawaihae (Forbes) cave five years ago after they were loaned by the Museum to Hui Malama. Hui Malama now argues that reopening the cave would be a desecration that violates their religious beliefs. They also argue that the cave would collapse if opened. A settlement, however, may be in sight. Alan Murakami, an attorney with the Native Hawaiian Legal Corp. which is representing Hui Malama, said that Hui Malama is "on the verge" of getting a majority of the original 13 claimants to the artifacts to agree that leaving the items in the cave is the preferred course of action.

UPDATE: The Dec. 16 Honolulu Advertiser reports that Hui Malama has told the court that it will disclose the location of the artifacts in question, but it would like that disclosure sealed from the public.

Court Refuses To Adjudicate Church Governance Dispute

In Alexander v. Allen, (Dec. 13, 2005), a Texas Court of Appeals refused on First Amendment grounds to step into a dispute between the pastor and the board of the Christ Temple Apostolic Church. The church's pastor, David Allen, Sr., attempted to unilaterally replace board members, change the lock on the church doors and change authorized signers on the church's bank account. He relied in part on a provision in the church's bylaws provided that a member who fails to show a cooperative attitude toward the pastor and the church program shall not be eligible to hold any church office. The court held that the dispute was an ecclesiastical one, and therefore beyond the court's jurisdiction.

Unusual First Amendment Challenge To Smoking Ban Fails

A rather innovative free exercise challenge to Austin, Texas' ban on smoking in public places was rejected by a federal district court several weeks ago. In Roark & Hardee v. City of Austin, (Oct. 18, 2005), plaintiffs launched a partially-successful broad-based attack on Austin's smoking ordinance. One of plaintiff's constitutional claims was that the ordinance infringed the free exercise of religion because it banned the burning of incense. However, the court was unconvinced since the City expressly disavowed that the ordinance covers the burning of incense or candles and stated that it would not enforce the ordinance to ban these activities.

Administrative Segregation Does Not Violate Prisoner's Religious Rights

In Grimes v. Cunningham, 2005 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 32099 (D. Del., Dec. 8, 2005), a Delaware federal district court rejected a prisoner's First Amendment challenge to his administrative segregation for security reasons. Russell Grimes, a pre-trial detainee, had argued that the detention prevented him from attending communal worship services.

Wisconsin Legislature Holds Hearing On College Dorm Bible Studies

The Colleges and Universities Committee of the Wisconsin Assembly held an informational hearing on Tuesday on the policy of the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire that prevented a dormitory resident assistant from leading Bible study groups in his dorm. (See prior posting.) The Janesville, Wisconsin Gazette reported that the committee heard testimony from the student RA, Lance Steiger. Republican Rep. Stephen Nass supported Steiger, saying that resident assistants are free to lead groups supporting diversity, political viewpoints or gay and lesbian students. "Yet when you want to hold your hands in prayer you are told you cannot." The Freedom From Religion Foundation said the hearing was merely political grandstanding. It criticized the University for "capitulating to the demands of the religious right."

Challenge To Pennsylvania Home Schooling Regulation Rejected

In Combs v. Homer Center School District, 2005 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 32007 (WD Pa., Dec. 8, 2005), a Pennsylvania federal district court, in a lengthy opinion, rejected free exercise of religion challenges by a number of parents to Pennsylvania’s regulation of home schooling. Plaintiffs alleged that "God has given parents jurisdiction and authority over the education of their children," and that it would be "sinful for them to engage in conduct or expression that would grant control over their children's education to the civil government . . . [or require them to] seek approval from the secular civil government”. The parents particularly objected to the requirement that they submit an educational log and a portfolio containing samples of their children's work to public school officials for review. The court held, however, that, Plaintiffs did not allege any actual, tangible ways in which the state’s requirements impair or restrict the exercise, practice, conduct or expression of their religion. It therefore rejected claims that the Pennsylvania statute violated the First Amendment or the Pennsylvania Religious Freedom Protection Act.

Cardinal Schonborn Lecture Attempts To Clarify His Stand On Intelligent Design

Zenit yesterday published an English translation of a lecture by Catholic Cardinal Christoph Schönborn on creation, evolution, and his views on Intelligent Design. The lecture was delivered in October in Vienna and was intended to clarify misunderstandings that arose from his widely-discussed op-ed piece that appeared in the New York Times last July. (See prior posting.) He said in part:

I see no difficulty in joining belief in the Creator with the theory of evolution, but under the prerequisite that the borders of scientific theory are maintained.... When science adheres to its own method, it cannot come into conflict with faith. But perhaps one finds it difficult to stay within one's territory, for we are, after all, not simply scientists but also human beings, with feelings, who struggle with faith, human beings, who seek the meaning of life. And thus as natural scientists we are constantly and inevitably bringing in questions reflecting worldviews.

In 1985, a symposium took place in Rome under the title "Christian Faith and the Theory of Evolution." ... [A]t its conclusion, Pope John Paul II received us in an audience. There he said: "Rightly comprehended, faith in creation or a correctly understood teaching of evolution does not create obstacles: Evolution in fact presupposes creation; creation situates itself in the light of evolution as an event which extends itself through time -- as a continual creation -- in which God becomes visible to the eyes of the believer as 'creator of heaven and earth.'"

But Pope John Paul then added the thought that for the creation faith and the theory of evolution to be correctly understood, the mediation of reason is necessary, along with, he insisted, philosophy and reflection.... For me the question that has emerged from this debate is not primarily one of faith vs. knowledge but rather one of reason. The acceptance of purposefulness, of "design" [English in the original], is entirely based on reason, even if the method of the modern natural sciences may require the bracketing of the question of design. Yet my common sense cannot be shut out by the scientific method. Reason tells me that plan and order, meaning and goal exist, that a timepiece does not come into being by accident, even less so the living organism that is a plant, an animal, or, above all, man.

California Court Supports Break-Away Episcopal Churches

The Long Beach Press Telegram reports that in Orange County, California, a state trial court yesterday dismissed a suit by the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles against two dissident churches, All Saints' and St. David's of North Hollywood. The decision allowed the parishes, which had split from the Episcopal Church in 2004 because of disagreements over the consecration of an openly gay bishop and the blessing of same-sex unions, to retain possession of their property. (See prior related posting.) The Los Angeles diocese had invoked canon law to claim that the churches' property and hymnals belonged to the larger Diocese. The court rejected that claim, however, finding that deeds gave title to church buildings to individual churches, and that the church’s articles of incorporation did not create a trust in favor of the parent religious body. The parishes were had defended the case by filing anti-SLAPP motions, which claimed the lawsuit arose from their exercise of freedom of speech and religion. That allowed the case to be dismissed immediately if the plaintiff was unable to show it was likely to prevail in a trial. (See prior posting.)

Moscow Mayor Urged To Ban Building of Hindu Temple

According to a report today from Clickwalla, the Archbishop of the Russian Orthodox Church has asked Yuri Luzhkov, the mayor of Moscow, to ban construction of a proposed Hindu temple in Moscow. Otherwise, according to Archbishop Nikon, the temple would become "an idolatrous disgrace erected for the glory of wicked and malicious 'god' Krishna". Mayor Luzhkov signed a decree allocating land in northwest Moscow for the Temple almost two years ago. But in October, after mass protests prompted by the Russian Orthodox Church, the mayor repealed the decree and ordered removal of a temporary Hindu shrine that had already been built on the land. Last week, a "Defend Russian Hindus" campaign was begun in London. Speaking for that campaign, Kishore Ruparelia said: "We cannot believe that in this age of respect and multi-cultural co-existence, a leader of the Russian Church chooses to make statements that are intolerant and disrespectful to one billion Hindus in the world."

Welcome to "Blog from the Capital"

Religion Clause welcomes to the blogosphere a new entrant, Blog From the Capital . Sponsored by the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, it will focus on the debate over church-state separation and religious liberty. Daily posts will cover legislation, judicial review, news, and commentary. [Thanks to Mainstream Baptist for the information.]

The blog is newly listed to the left on this page in the Religion Clause sidebar. If you have not looked at my sidebar listings, please do so. Almost 100 links are provided to resources, academic centers, government offices, advocacy organizations, journals, forums and blogs that focus primarily on issues relating to church-state or religious freedom.

Religious Lobbying Impacts ICANN Delay of xxx Domain

According to a report in the Dec. 7 issue of BNA Electronic Commerce and Law Reporter [subscription required], after initial approval, the board of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has postponed consideration of a proposal to create a new top level domain(TLD) for adult entertainment sites. (ICANN Report). Stuart Lawley, Chairman of the Internet Foundation for Online Responsibility which proposed sponsoring the new TLD blamed the delay on intervention by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the influence of religious groups. In a December 1 press release, Concerned Women for America praised ICANN's action and said that its Chief Counsel had met with top Commerce Department officials to urge that the new TLD be blocked. CWA's Mission, as described on its website "is to protect and promote Biblical values among all citizens - first through prayer, then education, and finally by influencing our society - thereby reversing the decline in moral values in our nation."

In August, it had been reported that the Commerce Department had received over 6000 letters and e-mails from individuals expressing concern about the new TLD, and that those concerns had, in turn, been communicated in a letter from the Commerce Department to ICANN. Conservative groups like the Family Research Council were apparently behind the flood of protests sent to the Commerce Department.

A RLUIPA Conundrum

Every once in a while, we need to step back and smile at the impact of our legal rules. A posting by Nate Oman last week at the blog Concurring Opnions gives us a chance to do this. He suggests this for the individual who wants to use sacramental peyote: get arrested-- maybe for using peyote. RLUIPA may well give free exercise rights to the inmate that he doesn't have outside. The full posting is worth a read. [Thanks to SCOTUSblog for the lead.]

Intelligent Design Back On Center Stage

The controversy over teaching Intelligent Design in public schools will apparently assume center stage again this week. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that this week arguments will be heard in the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of Selman v. Cobb County School District. In 2001, the Cobb County, Georgia school board ordered stickers placed on their new biology textbooks that contained 101 pages on evolutionary theory. The stickers read: "This textbook contains material on evolution. Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things. This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully and critically considered." A lower court ordered the stickers removed. (Full text of opinion).

Meanwhile, today's Washington Post profiles Cobb County, Georgia, pointing out that "the fast-growing suburb of about 650,000 people northwest of Atlanta ... has long shown a remarkable flair for high-profile social controversy." And the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports that support for Intelligent Design has made its way into the Orthodox Jewish community, as a conference this week at Florida International University on Torah & Science features Christian ID proponent William A. Dembski as one of its speakers.

Settlement Near In Tenafly Eruv Case

In 2002, the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals granted a preliminary injunction to Orthodox Jewish residents of Tenafly, New York, to prevent the city from enforcing a city ordinance that would have prohibited plaintiffs from creating an eruv by attaching plastic strips to utility poles. The court found it likely that the plaintiffs' free exercise rights were being infringed by the Tenafly's apparently discriminatory enforcement of the ordinance. Sunday's North Jersey Record reports that a settlement of the dispute may finally be at hand. A public hearing on the proposed settlement will be held January 10. Then on January 24 borough officials will vote on the settlement which would allow expansion of the existing eruv, but only if done using plastic lechis (inconspicuous black strips on telephone poles). Tenafly would also pay $325,000 in attorney fees to the Tenafly Eruv Association and would not be allowed to pursue any related legal action against Verizon or Cablevision, which originally gave permission for the eruv to be constructed using their poles.

Sikh Battles Over Drivers License Photo In France

The Sikh News Sentinel yesterday and Tuesday covered the ongoing legal battle in France over whether Sikh men can wear their turbans in their drivers' license identity photos. Originally authorities cited a 1999 Interior Ministry order and required Shingara Mann Singh to remove his turban for the photo. But then, the Council of State, France's highest administrative body, ruled that only the Transport Ministry had authority over drivers' licenses, and its 1999 decree was not precise enough to justify refusing Singh's request for a photo with his turban on. But a day later the Transport Ministry cured the imprecision in its decree and specifically said that it would now apply the Interior Ministry's edict to drivers licenses. Singh's lawyer, Patrice Spinosi, said he would take the case back to the Council of State, and if he loses there, would go on to other tribunals, even the European Court of Human Rights.

City Asks Judge To Limit Religious Remarks By Lawyer

The city of Oxford, Mississippi is seeking an unusual order from a federal judge in an upcoming racial discrimination trial, according to today's Jackson, Mississippi, Clarion-Ledger. Oxford is being sued by a former employee of its water department who alleges that he was fired because a supervisor disapproved of his dating a white woman. The city wants an order against plaintiff's attorney prohibiting him from suggesting to the jury that their decision in the case should be made on the basis of religious belief. In the past, Tupelo attorney Jim Waide has, for example, told jurors to "do what Jesus would do". The city wants the court to order that Waide not be allowed to talk about religion, biblical authority and/or a deity in his opening or closing statements.

Drawing Lines On Christmas Music In Public Schools

Holiday music is a particularly difficult subject in public schools in December. On Oct. 11, the Greece Central School District near Rochester, New York adopted a resolution providing that in order to recognize the nation's rich cultural heritage, the Board approves "all holiday music to be studied, performed, and presented within the district without differentiation due to title." Apparently this language was intended to adopt the policy set out in a memo to the Board from Louise Trucks, the district's arts director. Today's Rochester Democrat and Chronicle describes the memo: It says that sacred music at school assemblies should be included for educational purposes, and that educational information about the music can be given in program notes or verbally. It continues: "Some selections, those in which the text particularly implies or encourages worship, would not be appropriate in school settings." The memo gives "O Come, All Ye Faithful," as an example. However, according to the memo, "Silent Night," because it is "descriptive in nature and does not request a particular religious behavior," would be acceptable if accompanied by educational text.

New Scholarly Articles of Note

From SmartCILP:
Symposium on Conscience and the Free Exercise of Religion. Articles by Steven D. Smith, James W. Nickel, Kent Greenawalt, Kevin J. Worthen, Gregory C. Sisk and Martin H. Belsky. 76 Univ. Colorado Law Review 911-1080 (2005).

New on BePress:
David A. Skeel Jr., University of Pennsylvania Law School & William J. Stuntz, Harvard Law School, Christianity and the (Modest) Rule of Law .

Faisal M. Kutty, Osgoode Hall Law School, The Shari'a Factor in International Commercial Arbitration .

Medicaid Eligibility Claim Raises Possible Church-State Issues

In a recent case, In re The Fair Hearing of Hoffer, (Dec. 6, 2005), the Montana Supreme Court was faced with the question of whether seven residents of King Colony Ranch, a Hutterite Colony, met the test for limited resources in order to be eligible for the Family-Related Medicaid Program. The majority found that the Colony’s assets are held in trust for the benefit of its members, and remanded the case for determination of eligibility in light of this conclusion. The dissent, however, argued that any duty that the Colony has to support the Claimants is a religious, not a legal, one. The dissent argued that to conclude otherwise would require the court to make a religious inquiry in violation of the Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause of the U.S. Constitution and of Article II, Section 5 of the Montana Constitution. A story on the case was carried by Wednesday's Billings Gazette.

White House Religious Accommodations At Hanukkah Party

Following up yesterday's posting on this year's White House Hanukkah party, the blogosphere offers some other interesting glimpses into the details of the religious accommodation that went into planning of the event. Scott Johnson, who attended the party, describes the festivities on Power Line, including this: "Guests were escorted to President and Mrs. Bush by Marines in dress uniforms, and each couple was in turn announced by the Marine to the president. The Marine asked questions to determine if we observed Jewish law regarding touching between the sexes and instructed us where to stand..." And Life-Of-Rubin carries a photo of Mrs. Bush with the supervising rabbis and kitchen staff during the koshering of the White House kitchen.

Juror's Use of Biblical Verses Does Not Invalidate Death Sentence

In Fields v. Brown, (Dec. 8, 2005), the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the trial court and reinstated the death sentence for Stevie Lamar Fields who has been on death row since 1979. UPI yesterday reported on the part of the decision involving church-state issues. A lower court had ruled that a foreman's use, and sharing with other jurors, of notes on Biblical passages was not permissible during jury deliberations in the penalty phase of Field's trial. The Ninth Circuit reversed, holding that at least some of the Biblical verses were not extrinsic factual material, but instead were common knowledge. As to others, the court said that it was not shown that they had a substantial and injurious effect on the verdict.

Recent Prisoner Cases Involving Religion Issues

In Catala v. Commissioner, 2005 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 31695 (D.NH, Nov. 22, 2005), a New Hampshire federal district court rejected a motion by the New Hamshire Department of Corrections to dismiss a prisoner's claim that he was unconstitutionally required to attend a religious-based twelve-step program for substance abuse in order to otain a change in classification and as a factor in parole.

In Awala v. People Who Want (Dec. 8, 2005), the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed as frivolous a prisoner's suit asking the federal district court to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court's Ten Commandments decision and restore all religious monuments that have been removed from court houses around the country.

North Carolina Quran-In-Court Suit Dismissed By Judge

Yesterday, North Carolina Superior Court Judge Donald Smith dismissed a lawsuit, filed by the ACLU of North Carolina, aimed at allowing courtroom witnesses to take an oath using non-Christian religious texts in place of the Bible. (See prior posting.) The judge said that there is no active controversy involving someone prohibited from using the Quran or some other book. Yesterday's Winston-Salem Journal says that the judge informed lawyers of his decision and said that a written opinion would follow.

At issue in the case were state laws that allow witnesses to take their oath either on the "Holy Scripture," or without the use of a religious book, or by "affirmation". Interestingly, in court on Monday, Assistant Attorney General Grady L. Balentine, Jr. did not argue plaintiff's lacked of standing. The Greensboro News-Record reported that instead he argued that the statue was constitutional because it permitted witnesses to "affirm" that they will testify truthfully if they do not wish to take an oath on a Christian Bible. On the other hand, ACLU attorney Seth Cohen argued that the statute is unconstitutional if it is not interpreted to include holy texts of non-Christian religions.

UPDATE: The ACLU has announced it will appeal the decision (Dec. 16 Greensboro News-Record).

President Hosts Jewish Educators For Hanukkah Celebration

Last Tuesday was apparently President George W. Bush's day to pay attention to the American Jewish community. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency reports that first on Tuesday the President met with 13 Jewish educators and day-school leaders to focus on his support for school vouchers and other education initiatives -- many of which are controversial in the Jewish community. Then later in the day, the President listened to the West Point Jewish Chapel Choir and hosted the White House's annual Hanukkah party. Invitees this year were several hundred Jewish leaders who are interested in educational issues. The President participated in the symbolic lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah.

The President's remarks (full text) included the following: "earlier today, I met with some of the leaders from our nation's Jewish day schools. As educators who dedicate themselves to teaching the faith and to teaching, they are fulfilling the true lesson of Hanukkah every day of the year. Just as the Maccabees reclaimed their holy temple, these teachers help ensure that Jewish traditions are passed from generation to generation."

The JTA also reported that at the urging of First Lady Laura Bush, this year for the first time the White House kitchen was kashered (made kosher) so that it could be used for preparation of food for the party. Hanukkah does not begin until later this month, but the President will not be available at that time.

Marijuana Seizure Does Not Violate Free Exercise

In Rylee v. Ashcroft, 2005 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 31530 (ED Cal., Dec. 5, 2005), a federal Magistrate Judge in California recommended dismissal of a claim that the seizure of 1177 marijuana plants by the DEA and the local sheriff's office violated plaintiffs' free exercise of religion. Among other things, plaintiffs claimed that as members of the Church of the Greater Faith and Redemption (CGFR), use of marijuana was part of their religious beliefs. One of the plaintiffs argues that he is a minister of CGFR and that he is required by his religion to distribute marijuana as a sacrament. The Magistrate Judge notes that CGFR offers instant ordination over the Internet, and that the church here consisted of only 3 members, the plaintiffs, who appear to have formed their church in anticipation of bringing this lawsuit.

100th Anniversary of Law Creating Secular France

In France, today is the 100th anniversary of the passage of the State Law of 1905 on the Separation of the Church and the State. A release published earlier this week by Newswire explains the significance of the law: "This law is seen as the backbone of the French principle of "laicite" [secularism]. The law famously states 'The Republic neither recognizes, nor salaries, nor subsidizes any religion'. The law put an end to the funding of all religious groups and declared all religious buildings property of the state and local governments. Other articles of the law included prohibiting affixing religious signs on public buildings, and laying down that the republic no longer names French archbishops or bishops." In reporting on the anniversary, ABS-CBN said, "In recent years, the French vision of a secular state has been increasingly called into question by the growing influence of Islam, which is now the France's second religion, at least in terms of the number of adherents."

Suit By Wiccan Prisoner Settled

According to 1010WINS yesterday, The New Jersey Department of Corrections has settled a RFRA lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey on behalf of a Wiccan prisoner who was refused access to religious books and to ritual items such as beads and scented oils, a small bell and flute, ritual powder and a necklace. The prisoner, Patrick Pantusco, is serving a 30 to 50 year sentence for murder, aggravated assault and other offenses.

White House Sends "Holiday" Cards

Yesterday's Washington Post reported on yet another installment in the battle over public holiday celebrations. The White House has sent out 1.4 million cards wishing friends a happy "holiday season", just as conservative groups are complaining about the elimination of the word "Christmas" from commercial ads and from governmentally sponsored seasonal tree displays. The card does, though, carry a verse from Psalms. Susan Whitson, Laura Bush's press secretary explained: "Certainly President and Mrs. Bush, because of their faith, celebrate Christmas. Their cards in recent years have included best wishes for a holiday season, rather than Christmas wishes, because they are sent to people of all faiths."

Tim Wildmon, president of the American Family Association, said, "Sometimes it's hard to tell whether this is sinister -- it's the purging of Christ from Christmas -- or whether it's just political correctness run amok. I think in the case of the White House, it's just political correctness." He continued, however, "It bothers me that the White House card leaves off any reference to Jesus, while we've got Ramadan celebrations in the White House. What's going on there?" And Catholic League president William A. Donohue said, "They'd better address this, because they're no better than the retailers who have lost the will to say 'Merry Christmas'." [Thanks to Get Religion for the information.]

A copy of the card is available on the Americans United website. [Thanks to No Left Turns for this lead.]

Jewish Group Proposes Changes To Ohio Autopsy Bill

The Ohio House of Representatives has passed H.B. 235 making changes to Ohio's Coroner's Law. One section of the bill (Sec. 313.123(B)) provides: "Retained tissues, organs, blood, other bodily fluids, gases, or any other specimens from an autopsy are medical waste and shall be disposed of in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, including any protocol rules adopted under section 313.122 of the Revised Code." The Ohio Jewish Communities reports in its Dec. 2 internal newsletter that Agudath Israel has suggested changes to the bill so that it will not conflict with Jewish religious law on the disposal of body parts. The bill is currently being considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

IRS Issues Guidance for Examination of Churches' Political Activities

BNA's Dec. 2 Daily Report For Executives [Subscription Required] reports on a Memorandum from March 2005 that was posted on the website of the Internal Revenue Service last month. The Memorandum For All EO Examination Managers and Revenue Agents gives detailed guidance to Revenue agents on how to examine 501(c)(3) organizations, including churches, for improper political participation in election campaigns of candidates for public office. BNA says:

Instructions from IRS headquarters cautioned agents and managers that contacts with charities "may be perceived as IRS intimidation." The agents were instructed to tell the organization contacted about the basis of the inquiry--such as a church's distribution of candidate ratings--and in some cases ask the organization for a detailed response. The memorandum ... instructed IRS agents and managers on how to implement the service's Political Intervention Project (PIP). The project was intended to put on a fast-track complaints about improper political advocacy by charitable organizations.... IRS is working to clear approximately 130 cases from the 2004 presidential campaign ... including activities by about 50 churches, IRS Exempt Organizations Director Martha Sullivan told BNA....

Capitol Hill Will Have "Christmas" Tree

The debate over what to call evergreens put up on public property at this time of year has now reached Capitol Hill. Today's St. Louis Post Dispatch reports that this year U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert will officially refer to the tree on the west lawn of the Capitol Building as a "Christmas Tree" when he flips the switch to light it. First erected in the 1960's, it has been variously known as "The Tree", "The Capitol Hill Christmas Tree", "The Holiday Tree", and "The People's Tree". Hastert wrote the architect of the Capitol, whose office is in charge of erecting the tree, saying he wanted the tree renamed even though "I fully understand your desire to make all holiday displays as inclusive as possible."

Jordan Anti-Terror Proposal Would Control Clerics' Rulings

In Jordan, the government has proposed a new anti-terror law that would not only punish the support of terrorist acts, but also would prohibit Islamic clerics from pronouncing others as infidels or issuing fatwas without government permission. IRIN reported yesterday that Islamic groups in Jordan oppose the new measure.

Provincetown Expands Holiday Display

In Provincetown, Massachusetts, the Board of Selectmen voted Monday night to add a menorah and a “Peace on Earth” sign to the town’s long-displayed nativity scene at the Bas Relief. By a split vote, they decided “to place the display in a secular context” instead of moving it onto private property. Today's Provincetown Banner says that Board chair Cheryl Andrews opposed the motion, saying, "I do know that having it by itself and lit would be more in keeping with the tradition of the town." Selectman Richard Olson also opposed it because, he said, "we’re on a slippery slope of trivializing the whole thing."

ACLU Brings Habeas On Behalf of Catholic Sentenced To Pentecostal Drug Rehab Program

The ACLU of Michigan announced yesterday that it has filed a habeas corpus petition (full text of petition and of Memorandum in Support) in federal court in Detroit on behalf of a Catholic man who was sentenced to jail for not completing a Pentecostal drug rehabilitation program. The petitioner alleges that his sentence violated the First Amendment's free exercise and establishment clause provisions. Joseph Hanas pled guilty to a charge of marijuana possession. He was allowed a deferred sentence and possible dismissal of the charges if he successfully completed the Inner City Christian Outreach Residential Program. However, one of the goals of the program was to convert Hanas from Catholicism to the Pentecostal faith. He was forced to read the bible for seven hours a day, was tested on Pentecostal principles, and was told by the program staff that Catholicism was a form of witchcraft. His rosary and Holy Communion prayer book were confiscated. This led him to leave the program. The judge acknowledged that Christian Outreach was a religious program, but determined that nevertheless Hanas had not satisfactorily completed it. He sentenced Hanas to jail and then to boot camp. Only after that, while on probation, did Hanas receive drug treatment in a non-religious program.

Bible Display At Courthouse Being Argued Today

The San Antonio Express News reports that in the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals today, lawyers are arguing the case of Staley v. Harris County. The case involves the question of whether a neon-lighted King James version of the Bible in a display case can be maintained on the Harris County, Texas court house grounds in Houston as a memorial to William Mosher, the deceased benefactor of a homeless group, the Star of Hope Mission. The state argues that the memorial conveys a message about the person memorialized, not "official government policy on religious matters." In August 2004, the district court ordered the Bible removed from the monument. The case below is at 332 F. Supp.2d 1030 [LEXIS link].

UPDATE; The Houston Chronicle carries an account of the Court of Appeals arguments. They focus on the purpose of the monument, and especially its 1995 rededication.

Russian Muslims Challenge Cross In Government Emblem

Controversy over governmental display of religious symbols has now erupted in Russia. Today's Moscow Times reports that several senior Muslim clerics and scholars have demanded that Christian symbols be removed from the Russian national emblem to reflect that Russia has many faiths and is a secular state. The emblem contains a portrait of Saint George killing a dragon and includes four crosses . However, Georgy Vilinbakhov, a historian who works for a federal agency overseeing state symbols, said the symbols on the emblem are not Orthodox Christian. Nafigulla Ashirov, the leader of the Spiritual Board of Muslims of the Asian Part of Russia, said that the problem is broader than just the emblem: "Crosses are erected at border guards' stations and on roads leading into towns. Icons are hung in offices." Article 14 of Russia's Constitution provides: "(1) The Russian Federation is a secular state. No religion may be instituted as state-sponsored or mandatory religion. (2) Religious associations are separated from the state, and are equal before the law."

Grant Park Cross Conservancy Wins Suit, Keeps Historic Cross

In 2003, the city of San Buenaventura, California, sold the acre of land on which the 90-year old Grant Park cross sits to a private non-profit organization, the Grant Park Conservancy. The sale was motivated by concerns over church-state issues posed by the presence of the cross on public land. (History of the Cross.) However, the deed that originally conveyed the Grant Park property to the city provided that the land was to be maintained as a public park. Two heirs of the Grants sued claiming that under the original deed, the land should have reverted to them when it was conveyed to a private group. The Ventura County Star yesterday reported that on Dec. 1, a California appellate court ruled against the Grant heirs, finding that they lost their rights to the land when they failed to comply with the 1983 Marketable Record Title Act that required a record notice be filed within 5 years in order to preserve their interest. The case is McDonell v. City of San Buenaventura.

Controversial Kansas Prof. Physically Attacked

University of Kansas Professor Paul Mirecki who gained national attention after scheduling, and then cancelling, a course titled "Intelligent Design, Creationism and other Religious Mythologies," reported to police that he was physically attacked early today by two men. Today's Kansas City Star reports that the attack took place in rural Douglas County, Kansas. Mirecki said the attackers, who were strangers to him, made reference to his proposed class. (See prior related posting.)

UPDATE: The Topeka Capital Journal reports that on Wednesday, Dec. 7, Prof. Mirecki resigned as chairman of the University of Kansas Religious Studies Department.

Cities Sued For Refusing Creche Display

Liberty Counsel announced today that it is filing suit against Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach, Florida, that jointly control Town Center Park. The cities have refused to permit Ken Koenig to display a nativity scene in the park, while the cities have approved a Christmas tree and a menorah for display. The cities argue that the approved displays are secular, but that a nativity scene is religious. Liberty Counsel argues that the cities are engaged in viewpoint discrimination, and that there is no constitutional problem with featuring a nativity scene as part of the larger display. The Lakeland, Florida Ledger quotes Neptune Beach city attorney, Christopher White, who said: "We feel the City of Neptune Beach has followed the mandates of the U.S. Supreme Court." White cited the U.S. Supreme Court's 1989 Allegheny County decision to support his position.

Hearing Today In Portland Archdiocese Bankruptcy Case

A hearing is scheduled today in federal bankruptcy court in Portland, Oregon, on which assets of belong to the Catholic Archdiocese of Portland, according to the Albany, Oregon, Democrat Herald. The Archdiocese declared bankruptcy in July 2004 in the face of large claims by priest sex-abuse victims. (See prior related posting.) Today's hearing focuses on whether parish properties are part of the assets that creditors can claim in bankruptcy. The church claims that under canon law, each parish is treated as a separate property owner. Tort claimants argue that canon law does not control, and properties of the parishes and institutions of the archdiocese should be included in the estate of the Archdoicese and made available for settlements. In August, a Washington state bankruptcy court faced a similar issue and sided with creditors of the Spokane Diocese; the Diocese has appealed. (See prior postings 1, 2 .)

Some Say There Is "A War On Christmas"; But Not At White House

Yesterday's New York Newsday carried an article reviewing "The Culture Wars Before Christmas". It reports that this year, we have an

"amped-up effort ... by the religious right and its media allies to monitor, lobby, boycott and litigate over the way the country celebrates the holiday season - from school chorales and municipal crèches to retail advertising and seasonal tree-lighting. Leaders say the effort is needed to beat back a war on Christmas and Christianity by "secularists" and liberal groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union.... Critics, however, say it is all an overblown effort to use a hot-button issue to raise money and tempers in pursuit of larger political goals.

Meanwhile, last week at the White House, no war on Christmas could be detected. On Thursday, the President lit the National Christmas tree, calling the event "one of the great traditions in our Nation's Capital." He continued, "Each year, we gather here to celebrate the season of hope and joy -- and to remember the story of one humble life that lifted the sights of humanity. " (Full text of remarks.)

Pro-Alito Ads Emphasize Church-State Issues

The Washington Post reported yesterday that the Committee for Justice is running radio ads focusing on church-state issues to support the confirmation of Samuel A. Alito for the U.S. Supreme Court. The ads, being aired in Colorado, Wisconsin and West Virginia, say in part: "It's the season when Americans celebrate our traditions of faith ... and once again religious freedom is under assault. Why? Because liberal groups like People for the American Way and the ACLU have opposed public Christmas and Chanukah displays and even fought to keep Christmas carols out of school. Some courts and judges have supported this radical agenda, but not Judge Sam Alito, President Bush's nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court. Throughout his career, Judge Alito has consistently upheld the Constitution's protection of free religious expression."

Charges Against Sikh Student For Carrying Kirpan Dropped

A Detroit, Michigan prosecutor has dropped charges under the Detroit Knife Ordinance against a Wayne State University student, who was arrested for carrying a kirpan on the university campus. Carrying the kirpan is part of the religious requirements of the Sikh faith. Today a release by the United Sikhs reports that Sukhpreet Singh won his case after his attorney, the United Sikhs and the ACLU of Michigan argued that the kirpan, a scimitar in a sheath, is not a weapon and should not be viewed as one. Harpreet Singh, legal director of United Sikhs, said that his organization would continue to work with authorities to establish a best practice for dealing with Sikhs wearing a kirpan.

Newly Posted Scholarship of Interest

Recent articles posted on SSRN:

Richard W. Garnett, Notre Dame Law School, Religion, Division, and the First Amendment , which will appear in an upcoming issue of the Georgetown Law Journal.

Barak Medina, Hebrew University Law Faculty, Does the Establishment of Religion Justify Regulating Religious Activities? - The Israeli Experience .

Senate Votes To Remove Jackson-Vanick Restrictions On Ukraine

On November 18, the U.S. Senate approved S. 632 which would permanently remove Ukraine from Title IV of the Trade Act of 1974. Known as the Jackson-Vanick Amendment, that provision denied normal trade relations to Soviet block countries that denied free emigration to its citizens. It was aimed particularly at assisting Jews who were being persecuted in the former Soviet Union. S. 632 contains findings that the Ukraine now permits free emigration and promotes freedom of religion. The Ukrainian government web site reported on the Senate's action last month. Similar bills have been introduced into the House of Representatives.

Plaintiffs Lose In Two Recent Prisoner Cases

Two court decisions involving prisoners seeking religious accommodation of non-mainstream religious beliefs have recently been handed down.

In McClain v. Rogers, (7th Cir., Nov. 30, 2005), a practitioner of Asatru (a religion tied to White supremacist beliefs) sued claiming that prison guards prohibited him from praying alone in the prison yard. He also complained that the chaplain does not allow Asatruars to worship in groups, though members of other religions are may do so. The court held that while there may be an issue of whether the prisoner's praying alone violated the prison rule against "meetings or gatherings" in the prison yard, the issue was not properly raised.

In Smith v. Haley, 2005 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 30454 (MD Ala, Dec. 1, 2005), an Alabama federal district court faced claims brought by a practitioner of Odinism, an ancient pre-Christian faith whose theology is based on historic Icelandic sagas and runic mysticism. By the time the case got to trial, most of his accommodation requests had been met. However, prison officials refused to permit him to use and possess a small quartz crystal, and the prisoner sued, among other things, for damages because this denied him his right to freely practice his religion. The court held, however, that even if the refusal to allow the prisoner to possess a crystal violated his right under RLUIPA, the defendants were entitled to qualified immunity because Smith's right to possess a crystal as part of his practice of Odinism was not clearly established by any law at the time of the actions in question.

NJ Chabad Can Display Menorah In Park; Other Rabbis Disagree

In West Windsor, New Jersey, a Chabad group has won the right to put up a 9-foot tall Menorah with electric lights in a public park for Hanukkah this year. Yesterday's Princeton Packet reports that after first turning down the request, now township attorney Michael Herbert has issued a memorandum saying, "The Ron Rogers Arboretum, a public park, is a traditional public forum, open to all on equal terms." However, other rabbis in the area disagree with the decision. Four other Mercer County rabbis sent a letter to the township saying, "As religious leaders, we have never asked for a Hanukkah Menorah to be placed on public property, because we believe that the Menorah is a deeply religious symbol, belonging in synagogues, Jewish homes and Jewish communal institutions. The Menorah is not the equivalent of a Christmas tree; Hanukkah is not the Jewish Christmas."

IRS Complaint Lodged Against Dobson's Focus On The Family

On November 28, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed a complaint with the Internal Revenue Service (full text) challenging the tax-exempt status of James Dobson's group, Focus on the Family. CREW claims that Dobson uses his influence to support candidates for political office. The complaint particularly focuses on Dobson's endorsement in 2004 of Patrick J. Toomey who was running for Senate in Pennsylvania and on the endorsement of President George W. Bush's nomination in 2004. NAMC Newswire reports that another group, Soulforce, Inc., is joining CREW's efforts by circulating an online petition calling for an IRS investigation of Dobson's group. Melanie Sloan, executive director of CREW said, "The IRS has established a track record of scrutinizing organizations, in particular liberal ones, that have purportedly violated electioneering regulations. We hope that the IRS will fully investigate Focus on the Family activities as vigorously as it has targeted those of progressive organizations." The Rev. Dr. Mel White, founder of Soulforce added, "Misusing religion and/or God to support bias against sexual and gender minorities, inappropriately justifies psychological, legal and physical violence against them. Such abuses must be stopped and can no longer be subsidized via misuse of the tax laws."

Californa Doctors Can Raise Free Exercise Defense

Yesterday in Northcoast Women's Care Medical Group v. Superior Court, a California state appellate court held that two doctors being sued by a lesbian woman for refusing to perform intrauterine insemination on her could assert their constitutional right to free exercise of religion in defending against her discrimination charges. The court held that the doctors could introduce evidence of their religious beliefs as part of their proof that their refusal was based on plaintiff's marital status rather than her sexual orientation. California's Unruh Civil Rights Act (Civil Code, Sec. 51), at the time this suit was filed, had been interpreted to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, but not on the basis of marital status. In reporting on the decision, today's San Diego Union Tribune points out that subsequently the California Supreme Court extended the Act to discrimination on the basis of marital status, but did not apply the holding retroactively. Similarly the statute itself has been amended prospectively. Jennifer Pizer, a lawyer with the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, said that religious beliefs are not a valid defense in this case.

Churches Threatened By Proposed Indonesian Regulation

International Christian Concern, a U.S.-based human rights group, spoke out this week against a new draft regulation under consideration by the government of Indonesia, according to Wednesday's Christian Post. Under current Indonesian law, SKB 1/69, a religious building must receive a permit from the Department of Religion before being used for worship. In practice, the permit will only be issued after local residents approve. This regulation has been used, particularly in West Java, to close over 60 churches in the last month. The new draft regulation provides that "religious activities must be conducted inside religious buildings" unless permission has been received "from the Mayor or District Mayor, with a recommendation from the Department of Religion." Such permission, if granted, would only be temporary. If adopted, the regulation will prohibit almost all home fellowships.

AF Academy Evangelism Is Becoming Campaign Issue

This week's Forward reports that the controversy over religious activity by evangelical Christian officers at the U.S. Air Force Academy is emerging for both sides as a 2006 campaign issue. Wisconsin Republican challenger Nick Reid is criticizing Democratic incumbent Rep. David Obey who proposed a bill that would require the Air Force to report to Congress on the steps it is taking to investigate and ameliorate the conditions at the Academy. On the other side, the National Jewish Democratic Council has taken out advertisements in Jewish newspapers in Florida, Texas and Pennsylvania criticizing Republican members of Congress who have voted to defeat Obey's proposal. New Mexico lawyer Mikey Weinstein, who sued the Academy and whose sons were among the cadets who complained about anti-Jewish comments, is talking to other veterans about forming a political action committee around the issue of religious coercion in the military. He is also attempting to defeat his congresswoman, Republican Rep. Heather Wilson, for ignoring his complaints about the Academy.

Univ. of Kansas Cancels Anti-Creationism Course As NY Museum Discusses Topic

The University of Kansas had scheduled for this spring a course titled "Special Topics in Religion: Intelligent Design, Creationism and Other Religious Mythologies." The Associated Press yesterday reported that the course, intended to discredit creationism and intelligent design, has now been cancelled because the professor scheduled to teach it sent an offensive e-mail to a student group. Professor Paul Mirecki, chairman of religious studies, cancelled the class after it came to light that he referred to religious conservatives as "fundies" and, in an e-mail, said that the course would be a "nice slap in their big fat face." [Thanks to Jeremy Richey for the information.]

UPDATE: The National Review carries more of Prof. Mirecki's controversial comments. [Thanks to Rick Duncan via Religionlaw listserv.]

Meanwhile, yesterday at at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, a panel of academics discussed evolution vs. intelligent design in connection with the museum's display on Darwin. Reuters today summarizes the panel's remarks.

Highway Patrol Memorials Challenged

Today's Salt Lake Tribune reports on a lawsuit filed in a Utah federal district court yesterday challenging 14 steel crosses placed along Utah roadways to memorialize state Highway Patrol troopers who died nearby in the line of duty. 9 of the 14 crosses are on public land. The suit brought by the American Atheists (AA) seeks to remove the crosses, or at least to remove the Highway Patrol's logo from them. The state director of AA, Michael Rivers, said, "The presence of the UHP logo on a poignant religious symbol is an unconstitutional violation of the United States Constitution. It is government endorsement of religion." But the Utah Highway Patrol Association counters that crosses are used as an international sign of memorial.

Reactions To Indiana Legislative Prayer Ruling

Today's Fort Wayne Journal Gazette carries an interesting discussion of reactions to Wednesday's federal court decision in Indiana prohibiting sectarian prayer in the legislature. Rev. John T. Pless of Concordia Theological Seminary commented, "Prayer is never generic. It is always a prayer that is addressed to some deity." Ira Lupu of George Washington University Law School remarked, "We now have this kind of cultural pluralism and expansive idea about faith and spirituality. The idea that there's even a non-sectarian prayer seems like a controversial idea." Meanwhile, state legislators have their own ideas. Rep. Terry Goodin, D-Crothersville, said, "I am not going to stand for this assault on our freedoms of speech and religion. A judge is not going to tell me what I can and cannot say to express my belief in Christ." And U.S. Rep. Stephen Buyer, R-4th, suggested prayers should continue from the floor area in the House chamber: "The well of the legislative body is the most deliberative and protected place in this country. Those who speak from it are granted immunity."

University of Wisconsin Sued Over Restrictions On Dorm RAs

The Alliance Defense Fund announced yesterday that it has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, challenging its prohibition on residential assistants holding Bible study groups in their dorms. (See prior postings 1, 2 .) The Complaint (full text) argues that the University policy is vague and overbroad, discriminates against speech on the basis of content and viewpoint, and burdens plaintiff's free exercise of religion. NewsMax reports that, faced with the lawsuit, the University has suspended its ban on RAs' leading such groups.

Punishment Increased In North Carolina For Church Break-Ins

In North Carolina, a new state law (S.L. 2005-35) went into effect yesterday that makes breaking into a place of worship a felony instead of a misdemeanor. WRAL News yesterday reported that Sampson County played a leading role in getting the law enacted. Last year, 62 churches in the county were broken into, vandalized of looted. With news about the new law,there have been only 5 or 6 church break-ins this year.

Civil Rights Commission Holds Hearings On Campus Anti-Semitism

On November 18, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights heard from a panel of experts regarding anti-Semitic incidents on college campuses. (Release on scheduled hearings.) Yesterday's Jewish Advocate reports on the testimony. Gary Tobin, president of the Institute for Jewish & Community Research, spoke of "anti-Israelism" on college campuses, including professor intimidation of pro-Israel students, anti-Jewish statements in school newspapers, and harassment. Susan B. Tuchman, director of the Center for Law and Justice of the Zionist Organization of America also testified. She said campus incidents have included signs depicting the Star of David dripping with blood, pictures equating swastikas with the Star of David, and signs saying that Israelis love to kill innocent children. "When Israel is singled out for criticism and there is no semblance of balance, that is evidence of anti-Semitism, not legitimate criticism of Israel," she said. Kenneth L. Marcus, staff director of the USCCR, said that a major concern of the Commission is how to address anti-Semitic incidents without violating First Amendment rights.

Christian Legislative Prayer Enjoined In Indiana; Urged In Colorado City

In Hinrichs v. v. Bosma, decided yesterday by the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Indiana, the court found that the Indiana House of Representatives, in opening its sessions with sectarian prayer, violates the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution. 14WFIE reported on the decision. (Also see prior related posting.) Here is an excerpt from the court's opinion:

the evidence shows that the official prayers offered to open sessions of the Indiana House of Representatives repeatedly and consistently advance the beliefs that define the Christian religion: the resurrection and divinity of Jesus of Nazareth. The Establishment Clause “means at the very least that government may not demonstrate a preference for one particular sect or creed (including a preference for Christianity over other religions).... The sectarian content of the substantial majority of official prayers in the Indiana House therefore takes the prayers outside the safe harbor the Supreme Court recognized for inclusive, non-sectarian legislative prayers in Marsh v. Chambers, 463 U.S. 783 (1983). Plaintiffs have standing as Indiana taxpayers to bring their claims, and they are entitled to declaratory and injunctive relief. This relief will not prohibit the House from opening its session with prayers if it chooses to do so, but will require that any official prayers be inclusive and non-sectarian, and not advance one particular religion.

Meanwhile, in Boulder, Colorado, the Daily Camera yesterday reported that the mayor pro-tem, Randy Ahrens, has suggested that City Council meetings be opened with a prayer to set a positive tone after a contentious campaign season. Two pastors offered prayers at the start of the first meeting of the newly-elected Council on Nov. 15. However, their remarks provoked controversy because both preachers represented Christian churches and invoked the name of Jesus Christ in the prayers. Members of Council seem about evenly split on the proposal.

BC Tribunal Rules On Refusal To Rent KofC Hall For Lesbian Wedding Reception

On Tuesday, the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal issued its opinion in Smith and Chymyshyn v. Knights of Columbus . The case was brought by two lesbians who were denied use of the Knights of Columbus hall in a Vancouver suburb for a reception after a planned wedding at a nearby park. Yesterday's Globe and Mail reported that the case gained national attention earlier this year after Conservative Leader Stephen Harper mentioned it during the national debate on same-sex marriages. In its decision, the Tribunal found that while the Catholic-affiliated Knights of Columbus could refuse access to the Hall because of their core religious beliefs, in doing so they were required to consider the effect their actions would have on the two women who had already contracted to rent the hall. It found that the KofC could have done more to accommodate the women without acting contrary to its core religious beliefs. It could have taken additional steps to recognize the inherent dignity of the women and their right to be free from discrimination.

UPDATE: The Dec. 1 Edmonton Sun News reported that the plaintiffs plan to appeal the Tribunal's decision to the British Columbia Supreme Court, asking it to require religious institutions to disclose their policies to couples before they sign contracts.

Christian Groups Sue Colleges Over Membership Requirements

On Monday, the Alliance Defense Fund filed a civil rights lawsuit against San Diego (California) State University and California State University, Long Beach, on behalf of four student Christian groups. (Full text of complaint.) The universities refuse to give formal recognition to the groups because the organizations limit their membership to Christians. Each of the universities has a non-discrimination policy that prohibits recognized student groups from restricting membership on the basis of race, religion, national origin, as well as on various other grounds. The lawsuit alleges that these policies force Christian groups to abandon their Christian beliefs as a condition to gain access to the benefits recognized student groups enjoy, such as meeting on campus, receiving university funding, and accessing the on-campus channels for communicating their message. (ADF release on suit.) In reporting on the suit, 10News said that other campus groups like the Muslim Student Association welcome students of all faiths. SDSU's paper, The Daily Aztec quotes ADF lawyer Jordan Lorence who said, "What has happened today with this lawsuit against (SDSU) and Cal State Long Beach has been a problem that has been happening all over the country."

Israel High Court Asked To Recognize In-Country Non-Orthodox Conversions

In Israel on Tuesday, the Israel Religious Action Center filed petitions asking the High Court of Justice to order the Interior Ministry to grant Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return to seven individuals who were who were converted to Judaism in Israel by Reform and Conservative rabbis. The Jerusalem Post reported yesterday that this is the final step in a 20-year battle by Reform and Conservative rabbis to obtain government recognition of their conversions. In an Editorial, the Jerusalem Post emphasizes that this is a challenge by the Reform and Conservative movements to the monopoly of the official rabbinate over religion in the nation. Ynet News points out that this petition follows on a decision last March by the Israeli Supreme Court that recognized so-called "jump conversions," in which candidates complete non-Orthodox conversion courses in Israel but traveled overseas for their actual conversion ceremonies by Reform or Conservative rabbis. Even earlier, the High Court recognized in-country non-Orthodox conversions for the limited purpose of listing an individual as Jewish in the Population Registry.