WASHINGTON–
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in the case of Trinity
Lutheran Church v. Comer, in which the Court held that the exclusion of
churches from an otherwise
available public benefit violates the Free Exercise Clause of the U.S.
Constitution. Trinity Lutheran’s preschool sought to participate in the
State of Missouri’s scrap tire program, which would have allowed it to repave
its playground with recycled tire pieces in order to provide a softer and safer
playground surface for children.

Archbishop
William E. Lori of Baltimore, Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee
for Religious Liberty, offered the following statement in response:

“Today’s
decision is a landmark victory for religious freedom. The Supreme Court
rightly recognized that people of faith should not be discriminated against
when it comes to government programs that should be made available to
all. The decision also marks a step in the right direction toward
limiting the effects of the pernicious Blaine Amendments that are in place in
many states around the country. Blaine Amendments to state constitutions,
most of which date back to the nineteenth century, stem from a time of intense
anti-Catholic bigotry in many parts of the country. We are glad to see
the Supreme Court move toward limiting these harmful provisions, which have
restricted the freedom of faith-based organizations and people of faith to
serve their communities.”

The amicus curiae brief that USCCB
submitted in this case: Trinity Lutheran Church v. Pauley.

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Keywords:
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, U.S. Supreme Court,
Archbishop William E. Lori, religious freedom, religious liberty, Trinity
Lutheran, Blaine Amendments.

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Media Contact:
Judy Keane
202-541-3200

Source:: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops