February 2023 Church & State Magazine - February 2023

Supreme Court Accepts Case Dealing With Religious Accommodations

 

The U.S. Supreme Court has accepted a new case that deals with what sort of religious accommodations must be provided by employers.

The case was brought by Gerald Groff, who sued the U.S. Postal Service after he was told he would have to work Sunday shifts. Groff objected, saying that his Christian beliefs require him to emphasize worship over work on Sundays.

Current federal law requires employers to accommodate employees’ religious needs as long as it does not present an “undue hardship.” The standard usually favors employers. Lower courts ruled against Groff. 

In a statement to USA Today, Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United, urged the court to “reiterate that freedom of religion is not a justification to harm others, including coworkers.” 

The case, Groff v. DeJoy, will be argued this term with a decision expected by July. 

BREAKING NEWS

Americans United & the National Women’s Law Center file suit to challenge Missouri’s abortion bans.

Abortion bans violate the separation of church and state. Americans United and the National Women’s Law Center—the leading experts in religious freedom and gender justice—have joined forces with thirteen clergy from six faith traditions to challenge Missouri’s abortion bans as unconstitutionally imposing one narrow religious doctrine on everyone.


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