ACLU Statement on Supreme Court Ruling in Case Involving Government Support for Church

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court today ruled that it was unconstitutional to exclude a Missouri church from a state cash aid program that reimbursed schools for resurfacing playgrounds with recycled tire materials. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the case in support of Missouri.

Daniel Mach, director of the ACLU’s Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief, had the following reaction:

“We’re disappointed in today’s decision. Religious freedom should protect unwilling taxpayers from funding church property, not force them to foot the bill. The court’s ruling, however, focuses specifically on grants for playground resurfacing, and does not give the government unlimited authority to fund religious activity.”

The ACLU’s brief can be found here:
https://www.aclu.org/legal-document/trinity-lutheran-church-v-pauley-amicus-brief