In response to today’s Supreme Court decision in Trinity Lutheran Church v. Comer, Interfaith Alliance president Rabbi Jack Moline issued the following statement:

“Today’s decision sets a dangerous precedent for religious freedom in the United States. On its face, the case is about a playground, but it’s really a stalking horse for a radical agenda that runs directly counter to core constitutional principles.

“Four of the justices backed language restricting the purview of the case to the specific matter at hand – playground resurfacing – but the larger decision threatens to undermine Establishment Clause and state restrictions preventing taxpayer dollars from subsidizing religious activities. The Religious Right is seeking to strip away these protections and gain access to taxpayer dollars to directly fund religious schools and institutions.

“This case was driven by Alliance Defending Freedom, a virulently anti-LGBT group that works to undermine church-state separation. They envision a future where the U.S. government is run by and for right-wing Christians. That is not a vision shared by the American public or the Constitution.

“Interfaith Alliance remains committed to genuine religious freedom – not discrimination disguised as freedom. We will spare no effort in upholding the integrity of the First Amendment.”

Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.