Summary: This month, the Supreme Court hears oral argument in Trinity Lutheran Church v. Pauley, a case involving discrimination by a state against a church in giving out publicly funded grants. Trinity Lutheran Church sued the State of Missouri for denying its application for a grant to install rubber surfaces made from recycled tires on the church’s daycare playground. Missouri claims the state constitution required it to reject the church’s request because of its “no aid” provision that prevents public money from going to churches. Dozens of states have similar laws, known as Blaine Amendments, which were enacted during the 19th Century to single out Roman Catholics for disfavored treatment. Missouri argues that Locke v. Davey, a 2004 Supreme Court decision, allows it to exclude churches from state-funded programs. Trinity Lutheran argues that excluding it from the recycled tire program simply because it is a church is irrational and demonstrates hostility to religion. Join us as a distinguished panel of experts discusses how the oral arguments may unfold at the Supreme Court.
