Supreme Court clear on marriage redefinition, not so clear on religious freedom for FBOs 

Stanley Carlson-Thies 

Today, the US Supreme Court came out clearly for marriage redefinition, ruling that same-sex marriage is legal in every state.  The majority opinion acknowledged that not everyone agrees with the redefinition nor are religious believers and others required now to change their convictions.  As several of the dissenting opinions pointed out, though, the majority opinion did not very strongly affirm the religious freedom of persons and organizations that for religious reasons believe in the historic conception of marriage.   

Next week, IRFA will publish an analysis of the decision and provide guidance to faith-based organizations about what they should do. 

Immediate guidance: 

(1)  The Court's redefinition applies immediately only to governments, not to private organizations.  It will be some time before legislatures and courts have settled on how religious freedom must be protected when the definition of marriage has been changed.

(2)  Today and tomorrow, just as yesterday, organizations of faith will serve their neighbors and seek to live and speak consistently with the truths that have gripped their hearts.