Center Presents Argument in Conscience Case
On behalf of pro-life medical professionals, Christian Legal Society's Center for Law & Religious Freedom presented oral argument to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California last Friday in an important healthcare right of conscience case.
In 2004, Congress adopted legislation, commonly called the Weldon Amendment, designed to protect the consciences of pro-life healthcare providers. The State of California challenged the law in federal court, arguing that the law would prevent California from punishing healthcare providers who refuse to perform abortions in certain circumstances. The CLS Center intervened to defend the law on behalf of the Christian Medical Association, the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Fellowship of Christian Physician Assistants.
Both sides filed motions for summary judgment, and the court scheduled a hearing on the motions for Friday, January 12, 2007. Center Litigation Counsel M. Casey Mattox presented argument on behalf of the Center's clients.
Center Files Friend of the Court Brief in Faith-Based Initiative Case
On January 5, 2007, CLS's Center for Law & Religious Freedom filed a friend of the Court brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in Hein v. Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), a case involving the faith- based initiative.
FFRF filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of certain conferences designed to advance the faith- based and community initiative. The conferences were sponsored by the White House and various executive branch agencies. FFRF alleged that the Administration violated the Establishment Clause.
The federal government argued that the plaintiffs lacked legal standing to challenge the actions in federal court. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit held that the plaintiffs did have standing, and the government appealed to the Supreme Court, which agreed to take the case. The CLS Center filed a brief urging the Court to conclude that FFRF and the other plaintiffs lacked standing to bring the case.
Center Protects Religious Freedom of Georgia Student Group
On December 7, 2006, the University of Georgia agreed to recognize Brothers Under Christ, a student religious group, reversing an earlier decision to strip the organization of benefits available to other student groups. The move followed the group's lawsuit against university officials. The CLS Center and the Alliance Defense Fund represented the group in the lawsuit.
The university had denied the group recognition in November, claiming the group's requirements that officers and members profess faith in Christ was "religious discrimination." In a swift response to the lawsuit filed earlier in the week, UGA officials agreed to recognize the group as a registered student organization with all the associated benefits. They also agreed to amend their nondiscrimination policy to allow religious groups to select members and officers who agree with their beliefs.
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