Written by Don ByrdControversies over mosque construction a couple of years ago were some of the ugliest religious liberty disputes of recent years. None was more troubling than the fight over the Islamic Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. There, arguments went so far afield that the US Attorney choose to step in and file a brief with the court explaining the government’s position that Islam is in fact a religion whose adherents are protected by the First Amendment.
Mosque opponents in Murfreesboro were unsuccessful in their bid to stop the Islamic Center, but they have not stopped pressing their case. Bob Allen of Associated Baptist Press reports on the latest development. The group has filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court
Written by Don ByrdFollowing up a story from last year, a Tennessee preacher whose church practices snake-handling as part of its religious ceremony will not be charged with violating the state’s wildlife laws. A raid by the Wildlife Resources Agency seized dozens of venomous snakes the law bars from possession. A grand jury, however, after hearing from the pastor himself, declined to hand down indictments.
Written by Don ByrdThe Pentecostal tradition of snake-handling goes back several generations in Appalachia. Adherents believe God requires them to hold poisonous snakes as a test of their faith that they will be protected. In Tennessee, the practice is under renewed scrutiny pursuant to state laws that prohibit the possession of rattlesnakes and other dangerous wildlife. Charged with an offense for keeping dozens of such snakes, Andrew Hamblin argues the First Amendment protects his right to practice this brand of faith.
Written by Don ByrdVia Religion Clause, formal charges have now been filed by the Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct against the Tennessee magistrate who made news earlier this year after she rejected “Messiah” as a child’s first name (in a parental dispute over the child’s last name). She indicated that “Messiah” is a religious title earned only by Jesus Christ and changed the baby’s name to Martin.
Written by Don ByrdReligious leaders usually mean well when they want to get involved at by supporting students in their community’s public schools. School officials face potential problems, however, when their conversation with students turns to religion. In one Washington state school, youth ministers who volunteered as cafeteria supervisors have been asked not to return, pending an investigation to determine whether they exploited the opportunity to proselytize.
