Evansville Churches Will Appeal Cross Ruling
Written by Don ByrdA group of churches in Evansville, Indiana will appeal a ruling invalidating their permits to display crosses along the city’s riverwalk.
7th Circuit to Employers: Listen to Your Employees for Religious Needs
Written by Don ByrdLast week, the 7th Circuit reversed the dismissal of an employment discrimination case in which a Nigeria-born employee of Heartland Sweeteners was denied time off to participate in burial rites for his father as required by his religious beliefs. The court ruled the employer has responsibilities to understand the breadth of religious exercise, even when as here the employee, Sikiru Adeyeye, did not explicitly refer to religion or faith in requesting accommodation.
Judge Rules Evansville Cross Display Unconstitutional
Written by Don Byrd
Judge Hears Arguments Over Evansville Cross Display
Written by Don ByrdA federal judge yesterday heard arguments regarding the constitutionality of a planned 2-week display of large crosses along the public riverfront in Evansville, Indiana. The crosses were proposed and would be provided by local churches. The ACLU of Indiana argues the displays offer the appearance of religious endorsement along a long stretch of property central to the city’s image. City officials counter that the display is the result of a routine permit process open to all organizations.
Indiana Supreme Court Upholds Voucher Program
Written by Don ByrdThe Indiana Supreme Court today rejected arguments that the state’s school voucher program violates provisions in the state constitution prohibiting the state from supporting, or compelling individuals to support, a religious institution.
