A Catholic church in St. Johns is challenging Michigan’s updated civil rights law in federal court because leaders say the change violates the church’s constitutional rights. In the suit filed Monday, St. Joseph’s parish alleged the state’s redefinition of "sex" in the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act protects others because of their sexual orientation and gender identity but violates the church’s First Amendment right to exercise the Catholic religion and also its 14th Amendment right to equal protection. The nonprofit Washington, D.C.-based Becket Fund for Religious Liberty is representing the St. Johns parish, 109 Linden St., and has named Attorney General Dana Nessel and the state’s Department of Civil Rights as defendants in the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court. The church is seeking a ruling to provide clarity in the event its religious freedoms are challenged. Messages were left seeking comment with Nessel’s office and MDCR. "They’re looking for the court to rule that their religious exercise is protected and they’re able to continue running their school and those who work for the parish, just as they always have," said Lori Windham, vice present and senior counsel for the Becket Law firm, which is known for representing churches, Native […]
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