Don Byrd, Author at BJC

Some COVID-related worship restrictions upheld, others halted as disputes continue to move through court system

Courts across the country continue to hear cases at the intersection of public health restrictions and religious gatherings. Here are updates from Colorado, New York, California, and Washington, D.C.

Religious Liberty discussions on day 3 of Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation hearing

The third day of the Supreme Court confirmation hearing of Judge Amy Coney Barrett yielded few religious liberty discussions, and none that made any significant advances over the first day of questioning. Watch two exchanges here.

In Day 2 of Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation hearing, some religious liberty discussions, though little depth or insight

The first round of questioning from many of the senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee included religious liberty topics.

BJC reviews Amy Coney Barrett’s church-state record, warns against questioning her religious views

In a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee, BJC urged senators to question Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s judicial philosophy when it comes to religious freedom because “her record as a judge in church-state matters is slim.”

U.S. Supreme Court hears argument: Does RFRA allow monetary damages for religious liberty violations?

In Tanzin v. Tanvir, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on whether the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) categorically bars successful plaintiffs from receiving a monetary award.