The Maine Chapter of the Freedom From Religion Foundation is appalled by the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Fulton v. Philadelphia that grants religious privilege to Catholic Social Services at the expense of the LGBTQ community. Philadelphia did not renew its contract with CSS because it violated the city’s anti-discrimination policy by refusing to place foster children with same-sex couples. Catholic Social Services sued, claiming religious freedom allows them to provide foster care placements and violate the city’s anti-discrimination laws. Many conservatives hoped, and liberals feared, the Fulton decision would allow religious organizations to discriminate against anyone based on religious beliefs. However, the Court sidestepped the most crucial question the suit raised: Does religious belief take precedence over civil law? Instead of answering the question, the Court narrowly focused on a provision in the city’s contract with CSS. Chief Justice John Roberts concluded the city violated Catholic Social Services’ religious freedom by including a provision allowing discretionary exceptions to the city’s nondiscrimination rules. Roberts claims the decision would only apply to this particular case based narrowly on the specific language in the contract. However, claiming limited applicability of a Supreme Court narrow decision has rarely proven to be the […]
