GREAT DAY for the First Amendment at the Supreme Court
Two Huge Wins at the Supreme Court for Religious Freedom
Statement from Citizens for Community Values President Aaron Baer
COLUMBUS – The U.S. Supreme Court has issued two opinions today that are decisive victories for religious freedom.
First, in the Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru case, the Court ruled 7-2 that religious schools cannot be forced to hire and employ teachers that don’t hold fast to the school’s faith and religious practices.
Next, in the Little Sisters of the Poor v. Pennsylvania case, the Court upheld the Trump Administration’s rule that said religious employers cannot be forced to provide contraceptives and abortion-inducing drugs in their health care plans, if doing so would violate that organization's religious beliefs.
Both cases were decided 7-2. The following statement is from CCV President Aaron Baer:
“Today is a massive victory for religious liberty at the U.S. Supreme Court!
“These two victories are a powerful condemnation of religious bigotry. It’s ridiculous to try to force a Catholic school – or any religious employer - to employ someone who doesn’t follow their church's teaching. It’s even more outrageous to think that nuns should have to pay for birth control in their health care plans.
“Every American should celebrate these decisions. Christian schools and ministries across our nation lay down their lives every day in acts of love for their communities. They’re educating the next generation, feeding the poor, serving the addicted, helping the sojourner. Today’s decisions ensure they’ll be free to continue serving tomorrow.
“The fact that we are even debating these common-sense ideals at the Supreme Court underscores the fact that our religious freedoms are under greater threat than ever before. From the ACLU to Planned Parenthood, powerful special interests are trying to force Americans to either compromise their faith, or be shut out and shut down.
“With an election less than four months away, today’s Supreme Court decisions are a reminder that elections have consequences. Every time we go to the ballot box, freedom is on the line, both for this generation, and the next.”
For more information, contact CCV at 513-733-5775 or info@ccv.org.
As Ohio’s Family Policy Council, Citizens for Community Values seeks the good of our neighbors throughout Ohio by advocating for public policy that reflects the truth of the Gospel. We endeavor to create an Ohio where God’s blessings of life, family, and religious freedom are treasured, respected, and protected.
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