Rights and Religion Clash in Court

Tomas Segovia
Soc 313-003
Blog Post #4

This article, which was published by The New York Times, talks about a Christian student group that had been denied recognition by a public law school in California for excluding homosexuals and nonbelievers. The Christian group says that all people are welcome to participate in the groups activities, but those who are not ready to accept the groups beliefs and way of life cannot hold leadership positions or vote in issues that affect the operation of the group. The group was denied recognition by the law school for not complying with their policy of no discrimination. The Christian group appealed to the Supreme Court claiming that their religious freedom allows them to operate their group the way they choose.

I chose this article because the case pits anti-discrimination principles against religious freedom. As Americans one of our major freedoms is our freedom to practice whatever religion we choose. Therefore, for the law school to deny recognition, and as consequence denying resources, meeting space, and a voice, to the christian group, they are controlling their ability to practice their religion. Despite whether the group is right or wrong, they are still being forced to comply with the schools nondiscrimination policy even though their beliefs about sexual morality are among its defining values. Forcing it to accept as members those who engage in or approve of homosexual conduct would cause the group as it currently identifies itself to cease to exist.



http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/08/us/08scotus.html?_r=1&hpw