WASHINGTON – Following the ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, Rabbi Jack Moline, president of Interfaith Alliance, expressed disappointment in the decision:
“The Supreme Court got it wrong today in its decision allowing the Masterpiece Cakeshop to discriminate under the guise of religious liberty. The ruling, while narrow, suggests that there is an acceptable level of discrimination allowable under the U.S. Constitution. This decision does a disservice to necessary religious freedom protections that the Constitution is meant to provide.
“Between this decision and recent actions by the Trump Administration preferencing one brand of religion over others, we are gravely concerned for the state of religious freedom in this country.
“The right is chipping away at the Establishment Clause and the Constitution, and the government seems to be aiding and abetting their cause. If they succeed, religious freedom will be reserved for a conservative sectarian view of religion at the expense of the rest of us.”
Interfaith Alliance signed two amicus briefs in the case, including one organized by Muslim Advocates and Columbia Law School’s Public Rights/Private Conscience Project, and one by the Anti-Defamation League.
Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit www.interfaithalliance.org.