Catholic preschools in Colorado are at the center of a legal battle, claiming their exclusion from a state-funded preschool initiative infringes on their religious freedoms. The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments from St. Mary Catholic Parish, with backing from the Archdiocese of Denver, as they challenge the state’s decision.
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court agreed to review the case brought by the preschools, which are supported by the Republican Trump administration. The crux of the argument is the alleged violation of constitutional rights, as these religious institutions are barred from the program due to their admission policies concerning LGBTQ+ families and children.
Colorado asserts that while religious schools can join the program, they must comply with nondiscrimination laws. The initiative, born from a 2020 ballot measure, allocates public funds for free preschool access, allowing parents to choose participating centers.
AP Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports the Supreme Court will take up a case involving Catholic preschools in Colorado.
This case adds to the conservative-majority Supreme Court’s docket of religious rights issues, which have previously seen support from the court, particularly in instances where LGBTQ+ rights are concerned.
Additionally, the court’s deliberation will address the potential narrowing of a significant 1990 decision regarding the religious use of peyote. Justice Antonin Scalia’s opinion in that case concluded that religious practices do not excuse individuals from following generally applicable laws.
The justices, however, have opted not to entertain an appeal from the schools and a Catholic family in Colorado to overturn this precedent. The case is scheduled for hearing in the fall.
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