Trinity Lutheran Church v. Pauley Oral Argument
On June 26, justices ruled 7-2 that Missouri’s denial of public funds violates the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause, the first time the Supreme Court had ruled that government funds must provide money directly to a church.
The Supreme Court heard oral argument in Trinity Lutheran Church v. Comer, a case testing the bounds of separation of church and state. Trin… read more
The Supreme Court heard oral argument in Trinity Lutheran Church v. Comer, a case testing the bounds of separation of church and state. Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia in Missouri owns and operates a preschool learning center that incorporates religious teachings into its programs. Missouri has a state program that provides grants to resurface gravel playgrounds with a rubber surface made from recycled tires. Trinity applied for one of the grants but was denied because the state’s constitution bars public funds from going directly or indirectly to a religious entity. Trinity sued, arguing that the denial of its application violates the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause and First Amendment’s Free Exercise Clause.
On June 26, justices ruled 7-2 that Missouri’s denial of public funds violates the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause, the first time the Supreme Court had ruled that government funds must provide money directly to a church. close
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- Stephen G. Breyer Associate Justice U.S. Supreme Court
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