Written by Don Byrd
Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee begins confirmation hearings for U.S. Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch. Following a careful review of his church-state record, the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty issued the following statement from General Counsel Holly Hollman:
“Gorsuch is an experienced judge with impressive academic credentials. In religious liberty cases, he has given thoughtful attention to religious claims and the elements of the federal statutes designed to protect free exercise. We are concerned, however, that in the contraceptive mandate cases he has been deferential beyond what the law requires. That approach puts religious freedom at risk, as does his lack of concern about government promotion of religion.
We hope members of the Senate Judiciary Committee will ask questions probing his views and approach to religious liberty.”
Check the blog this week for transcripts and videos of any exchange related to religious liberty issues during Judge Gorsuch’s hearing.
UPDATES that include video clips:
Religious liberty discussion during day 3 of Gorsuch hearing
Day two of Gorsuch hearing includes discussion of Hobby Lobby, Establishment Clause, religious tests
Day one of Gorsuch hearing features opening statements
For a detailed look at his case regarding prisoners’ religious liberty claims under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), see my previous post.
