Teen Ranch Fails to Get Cert in Free Exercise Case
The U.S. Supreme Court has turned down a case that challenges Michigan’s decision to bar placements of troubled youths at a faith-based organization, SCOTUSblog reports.
The Cincinnati-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had ruled (PDF) in January that Michigan could refuse placements at Teen Ranch Inc. because the group could not ensure its charges were able to opt out of religious activities, according to a SCOTUSblog summary of the case.
Teen Ranch had contended the appeals court improperly expanded a Supreme Court ruling, Locke v. Davey, which barred state scholarships for students studying to enter the clergy, the Associated Press reports. It said the 6th Circuit decision allowed state officials to discriminate against religious groups in violation of the free exercise clause and other constitutional protections.
