Today, Explained God-given right?
Dec 3, 2020
Ian Millhiser, a senior correspondent at Vox who focuses on the Supreme Court, discusses a landmark ruling that permits unrestricted church gatherings in New York amid the pandemic. He delves into the tension between religious freedom and public health, emphasizing the historical context of religious liberty cases. Millhiser also explores the complexities of recent decisions, their implications for diverse faiths, and the challenges facing the Biden administration in balancing health regulations with a conservative Court's interpretations.
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Shifting Supreme Court Dynamics
- The Supreme Court's 5-4 ruling against NY's COVID restrictions on religious gatherings prioritizes religious liberty.
- Chief Justice Roberts, previously the swing vote, now finds his more moderate stance overshadowed by the five conservative justices.
Broadened Discrimination Definition
- The Supreme Court broadened the concept of discrimination in the Roman Catholic Diocese case.
- Now, any difference in treatment between religious institutions and any secular entity is considered discrimination.
Religious Liberty vs. Third-Party Harm
- The Sherbert case established protections for religious practices, like Sabbath observance.
- Problems arise when religious objections harm others, like denying birth control to employees (Hobby Lobby case).