WASHINGTON – The State of Washington agreed today not to force Catholic priests to violate the sacred seal of confession. The law at issue in Etienne v. Ferguson required priests to report information shared within the sacred confines of the Sacrament of Confession. A federal court blocked the unconstitutional law earlier this summer, just days before it was set to take effect on July 27. WilmerHale and co-counsel Becket and First Liberty Institute represent the lead plaintiffs Archbishop Paul D. Etienne, Bishop Joseph J. Tyson, and Bishop Thomas A. Daly, who filed the lawsuit earlier this summer.
The Sapulpa (OK) City Council voted 5-4 to approve Lee & Walnut Church of Christ’s Special Use Permit (“SUP”) this week, allowing the church to begin using its facilities for religious services.
First Liberty Institute announced today that the Liberty Military Housing at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story will once again allow Navy Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Levi Beaird to fly his pine tree flag from his residence.
The Supreme Court of the United States today heard oral argument in Chiles v. Salazar, a case involving a Colorado law banning licensed counselors discussing certain types of counseling with minors.
Today, First Liberty Institute praised the Frisco, TX Independent School District (“ISD”) for granting initial approval for a new Daughters of Our Living Lord & Savior (“DOLLS”) club to meet on campus at Reedy High School.
Today, First Liberty Institute and Cox, Sterling, Vandiver, & Botteicher, PLLC, announced that Zion Ramos, who was previously muted and kicked off a “social time” Zoom meeting when he began sharing his faith with other students, has been invited back and guaranteed three minutes to share his faith.