CLS Files Brief in California Tax-Exempt Bond Financing Case
The Center supported the right of religious colleges and universities in California to participate in a state program
designed to help schools borrow money for construction projects. Through the program, administered by the California
Statewide Communities Development Authority ("CSCDA"), schools can borrow funds at a lower interest rate because the
lender's return on investment is tax-free.
A state trial court ruled that the California Constitution prohibits "pervasively sectarian" schools from
participating in the program. CLS filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the California Court of Appeals on June 11
supporting CSCDA's appeal. (More Info)
Bush Administration Files Brief in Maryland Child Evangelism Fellowship Case
The U.S. Department of Justice filed a friend-of-the-court brief supporting the Center's appeal to the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in a case involving a school district's discrimination against a Child Evangelism
Fellowship Good News Club.
Filed on June 11, the Justice Department's brief supports the Center's argument that the Montgomery County Public
Schools violated the Constitution by refusing to include Good News Club meeting announcements in materials sent home with
children. The school district willingly sends home meeting announcements for secular community groups.
White House Releases Position Paper on Faith-Based Hiring
President Bush urged Congress to pass legislation protecting the hiring rights of religious organizations in a
position paper released Tuesday. The document spells out his long-held belief that faith-based organizations should not
be forced to sacrifice their religious character in order to receive funds to help serve the poor. It further explains
why the right to faith-based hiring is critical for religious organizations that desire to maintain their character while
advancing their goals.
The policy paper urges Congress to exempt religious groups from bans on religious discrimination in hiring found in
federal social service program legislation. The paper also encourages Congress to otherwise clarify confusion and
contradictions that have dissuaded many faith-based organizations from participating in programs that could allow them to
expand their services to the poor and needy. (White House Position Paper)
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