Press Releases

Press Release: Victory Ends Government Interference With Joy-El Ministries’ Release Time Program to Public School Students

(HARRISBURG, PA – December 18, 2023) Today, in a 4-3 decision in CBM Ministries v. DOT, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania granted a victory to Joy El Ministries in a case involving overreaching government mandates that would have hindered its ability to operate a popular “released time” program. “This is a great day for Joy El Ministries and the students they serve in its released…

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US Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Free Speech in 303 Creative Case

Independence Law Center filed Amicus Brief in Defense of Lorie Smith and First Amendment Rights (HARRISBURG, PA - June 30, 2023) Today, in a 6-3 decision, the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of First Amendment freedoms of Lorie Smith in 303 Creative v. Elenis, rightly declaring that states cannot force a designer like Lorie to create expressive messages which she disagrees with. “This…

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Supreme Court Delivers Unanimous Landmark Victory for Postal Carrier Gerald Groff

Decision means fewer religious employees will have to choose between their faith and their job. Washington, DC—Today, in a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court of the United States granted a victory to former postal carrier Gerald Groff against the United States Postal Service, after Groff lost his job for observing the Sunday Sabbath. The decision strengthens legal protections for employees…

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Statements from Groff Attorneys on Today’s U.S. Supreme Court Oral Argument in Groff v. DeJoy

Washington, DC—The Supreme Court of the United States today heard oral argument in Groff v. DeJoy.  Groff is represented by the Independence Law Center, First Liberty Institute, Baker Botts LLP, the Church State Council. Randall Wenger, Chief Counsel of the Independence Law Center: We should never ask Americans to sacrifice their faith to keep a job.  Everyone benefits by treating…

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Faithful Carrier Asks SCOTUS to Honor the Lord’s Day

Attorneys for former Lancaster County postal worker ask high court to restore religious liberty in the workplace WASHINGTON, DC—Independence Law Center, First Liberty Institute, Baker Botts, LLP, and Church State Council filed their opening brief at the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of former mail carrier Gerald Groff today.  The brief asks the Justices to restore the important protections…

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