Summary
The Michigan Supreme Court reinterpreted the prohibition on sex discrimination in Michigan’s Civil Rights Act and penal code to include sexual orientation and gender identity. That change requires Grand Rapids-based Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and its school, Sacred Heart Academy, to hire faculty and staff who lead lives in direct opposition to the Catholic faith, speak messages that violate Church doctrine, and refrain from articulating Catholic beliefs in teaching its students and when advertising the school to prospective students or job applicants. Additionally, by preventing Sacred Heart from operating its school consistent with its beliefs, state officials are violating the rights of parents who specifically chose to send their children to Sacred Heart Academy because the school aligns with their values and religious beliefs.
Press Releases
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6th Circuit delivers religious freedom victory to Michigan faith-based nonprofits -
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6th Circuit to hear case of MI Catholic school faced with violating its faith or shutting down
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Broad support filed at 6th Circuit for MI Catholic school -
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MI Catholic school to 6th Circuit: Let us continue to live out our faith
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MI religious orgs ask 6th Circuit to protect their right to operate consistent with their faith -
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Catholic school, families sue Michigan officials for forcing them to violate their faith
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