Supreme Court Sides With Colorado Web Designer’s Free Speech Claim
Lorie Smith worried Colorado would use its anti-discrimination laws to force her to create websites celebrating marriages she does not endorse.
First Amendment
It’s a Wrap: The Best of Church Law & Tax from 2022
From housing allowances to the ministerial exception; from copyright law to employee retention credits, these are our most-read, -watched, and -downloaded offerings of 2022.
Postgame Prayers Protected by First Amendment, Supreme Court Says
Supreme Court says postgame prayers protected by First Amendment while also striking down controversial "Lemon test."
Maine’s Tuition Assistance Rule Violated the First Amendment, Supreme Court Says
Maine's tuition assistance rule barred use of state funds at religious schools, which violated the First Amendment, Court says.
Religious Freedom Protections Expanded in South Dakota, Montana
Religious freedom protections expanded in South Dakota and Montana, meaning 23 states now require higher standards for their governments to meet whenever they “substantially burden” religious exercise.
Assessing US Supreme Court Rulings on Pandemic Restrictions
What the Supreme Court's rulings on pandemic restrictions mean for churches and in-person gatherings.
Supreme Court: Harsher Pandemic Restrictions for Churches Are Unconstitutional
Why the Supreme Court said harsher restrictions for churches during the pandemic are unconstitutional.
Supreme Court Again Rules that Safety and Health Regulations Override Religious Freedom
Majority of Supreme Court says safety and health regulations override religious freedom concerns during a public health crisis.
Supreme Court Endorses Some Aid to Parents of Religious School Students
Parents of religious school students may receive state aid, Supreme Court says.
Supreme Court Rules that Title VII’s Ban on “Sex” Discrimination Includes Sexual Orientation
Why the Supreme Court's Title VII decision changes the definition of "sex" discrimination--and how it affects churches.
Advantage Member Exclusive
A 50-State Survey on Religious Freedom Laws
A 50-state survey on key federal and state laws and court decisions affecting churches and religious freedom.
What an Early COVID-19 Supreme Court Decision Meant for Church Gatherings
A Court decision early in the COVID-19 pandemic rejected a California church’s request to restore in-person gatherings sooner than the state allowed.
Advantage Member Exclusive
Will Our Church Get Sued for Reopening?
How church leaders should weigh the potential legal liabilities associated with public gatherings during the pandemic.
Checklist: Do We Understand the Effects of Our Church’s Political Activity?
Use this checklist to understand the potential effects of your church's political activity.
Tracking Faith-Based Legal Challenges to Pandemic Orders
How federal courts nationwide addressed faith-based legal challenges to pandemic orders set by state and local governments.
Attorney General: Religious Exercise Should Not Be Significantly Burdened
The Attorney General's statement emphasized religious exercise should be not significantly burdened by pandemic mandates.
SBA: Religious Liberty Protections Will be Provided with Loan Program
SBA says religious liberty protections will be maintained with loan program for small employers affected by pandemic.
Legal Considerations for Coronavirus Guidance and Church Gatherings
Government actions that impact constitutional interests must follow certain rules.
Public Accommodations Laws
Understand how discrimination laws affect which outside groups can use church facilities.
Latest Form 990 Exemption Challenge Dismissed on Technical Grounds
Atheist group targeting reporting exception for churches says it will resolve technical problems and try again.