At Volokh Conspiracy, Michael McConnell (guest blogging) on the Supreme Court's Religion Docket:
The Supreme Court has a unique opportunity this Term (or next) to hear four cases with major implications for religious liberty. One case is already on the merits docket—Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin Labor and Industry Review Commission, which involves a challenge to Wisconsin's determination that Catholic Charities is not sufficiently religious to qualify for an exemption from the state's unemployment program.
This Friday, the Court will consider adding three more:
- Apache Stronghold v. United States—in which Native Americans are challenging the federal government's plan to destroy a sacred site by turning it into a copper mine.
- Mahmoud v. Taylor—in which Muslim parents are challenging a school district's refusal to notify parents or let children opt out when teachers present controversial readings on sex and gender identity.
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany v. Harris—in which religious groups are challenging New York's mandate to cover abortions in their health insurance plans.
(Full disclosure: I participated in amicus briefs in all four cases.)
While these cases may seem unrelated, they converge on two pressing issues that have divided lower courts, distorted the law, and harmed religious liberty. The Court should hear all four cases. Here's why …
Posted at 6:06 AM