Supreme Court rules for Missouri church in playground case
The Supreme Court ruled Monday that churches have the same right as other charitable groups to seek state money for new playground surfaces and other nonreligious needs.
First Amendment
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Public outcry may be able to keep offensive trademarks at bay
While Monday’s decision from the Supreme Court of the United States that barred the federal government from asserting which names are offensive has been viewed as a victory for the Washington Redskins, a high school in northern Indiana may provide an example of what the eight justices were trying to accomplish.
Justices say law on offensive trademarks is unconstitutional
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday struck down part of a law that bans offensive trademarks, ruling in favor of an Asian-American rock band called the Slants and giving a major boost to the Washington Redskins in their separate legal fight over the team name.
7th Circuit affirms preliminary injunction to allow pro-marijuana rally
A pro-marijuana nonprofit organization may be able to hold a rally on the steps of the Tippecanoe County Courthouse after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a preliminary injunction against the county’s policy for approving courthouse events.
Planned Parenthood challenging new Indiana abortion parental consent law
Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky has filed a lawsuit challenging portions of Senate Enrolled Act 404, which in part requires unemancipated minors to obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian before being allowed to have an abortion.
Prisoner’s suit after Chanukah observation denial may proceed
A pro se Indiana inmate may proceed with his federal lawsuit claiming his First Amendment rights were violated when prison staff denied his requests to observe Chanukah with a menorah and use of the chapel at Westville Correctional Facility.
Charter school facing suit warns of potential ‘chaos’
An Ellettsville charter school affiliated with a religious institution warns that if a federal lawsuit targeting the school’s state funding is successful, similar charter schools statewide could face “chaos.”
Suit takes aim at Indiana religious-affiliated charter schools
A Monroe County nonprofit organization has sued the state and a charter school, seeking to block its funding because the group argues that taking tax dollars from public schools for the benefit of private religious institutions violates the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Playground case touches on separation of church and state
The Supreme Court of the United States signaled Wednesday that it will decide an important case on the separation of church and state in favor of a Missouri church that wants state money to put a soft surface on its preschool playground.
SCOTUS to hear church-state case
Justice Neil Gorsuch's first week on the U.S. Supreme Court bench features an important case about the separation of church and state that has its roots on a Midwestern church playground. The outcome could make it easier to use state money to pay for private, religious schooling in many states.
Political group takes ‘robocall’ law challenge to SCOTUS
A political advocacy group that wants to strike down Indiana’s ban on robocalls has asked the Supreme Court of the United States to overturn the state law it calls the most restrictive in the nation.
Bill on student religious freedom clears Indiana Senate
The Indiana Senate has approved a bill on religious freedom in public and charter schools that originally included a contentious school prayer provision.
Lawsuit seeks data over searches of electronics at US border
A group of First Amendment attorneys sued the Trump administration on Monday over access to data showing how often U.S. citizens and visitors had their electronic devices searched and the contents catalogued at American border crossings.
Protest bills with anti-traffic obstruction focus sweep US
In response to the increasing number of demonstrations, legislators across the country have introduced bills limiting where protesters can demonstrate or increasing fines for participation in peaceful protests that turn violent.
Alito: US’ dedication to religious liberty being tested
The U.S. is entering a period when its commitment to religious liberty is being tested, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito told an audience Wednesday at an event in Madison, New Jersey, sponsored by a Catholic lawyers' organization.
Revised Trump travel ban blocked by 2 courts
President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban has suffered another federal court setback after a judge in Maryland rejected a revised measure that bans travel targeting six predominantly Muslim countries.
District court again rules against Concord Schools on ‘Christmas Spectacular’
A district court judge has once again entered judgment against a northern Indiana school district after finding it has not made “absolutely clear” that it will permanently nix overtly religious content from its annual Christmas program.
Mass protest study committee bill clears Indiana Senate
A bill originally allowing authorities to use "any means necessary" to keep roadways clear during a protest but then reduced to a legislative study committee issue has cleared the Indiana Senate.
Indiana House OKs bill on prayer in schools
A legislative proposal whose author says it would put prayer back in schools has cleared the Indiana House.
House education panel backs school prayer bill
Students’ right to pray aloud in Indiana schools would be reaffirmed under a measure a House education committee has approved.