Topic
Religious Expression
144 published works
RLUIPA Defense Blog
Supreme Court Holds Prison Grooming Policy Violates RLUIPA: Did Local Government Take a Haircut in the Process?
By Karla Chaffee, Dwight Merriam, Evan Seeman
Remember the scene in Home Alone where Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) shaves for the first time, applies aftershave, and then screams in pain from the sting of the alcohol touching…
RLUIPA Defense Blog
Wiccan Prisoner Seeking 14 Feet of Rope, Combustible Oils, and Candles Loses First Amendment, RLUIPA, and Equal Protection Challenges
By Evan Seeman, Dwight Merriam, Karla Chaffee
Ronald Reiske, a Wiccan prisoner incarcerated in a Connecticut prison, thought it reasonable that the correctional facility provide him with the necessary materials and equipment to practice his Wiccan religion…
RLUIPA Defense Blog
Fed. Dist. Court in FL Dismisses RLUIPA Equal Terms Claim Following Notice of Violation
By Evan Seeman, Karla Chaffee, Dwight Merriam
A pro se plaintiff filed a claim against a city code enforcement department and its officers alleging various constitutional violations as well as a violation of RLUIPA for code enforcement…
Fair Housing Defense
Some Thoughts on Apartment Communities and Holiday Decorations
December is upon us and the holidays are here. Accordingly, what can (and should) my apartment management office do (or not do) with respect to holiday displays and decorations. At…
The Right Coast
Hilchos (Laws) of Xmas
Preparing for Xmas 1. PREPARATIONS FOR XMAS MUST NOT BEGIN(1) BEFORE THANKSGIVING.(2) THIS APPLIES TO PREPARATIONS WHICH AFFECT THE HOLIDAY MOOD,(3) BUT NOT THOSE WHICH ARE DONE IN PRIVATE.(4) (1)…
Employment Law Watch
Customer Balks at Your Employee’s Religious Expression? Tough Luck, Says the EEOC
Amanda Haverstick and Tsedey Bogale wrote a new article on Forbes.com discussing the recently issued Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Fact Sheet and Question-and-Answer Guide (the Guides). In the Guides,…
Employment Discrimination Report
Saying “Bless You” In NYC
Thanks to my friend Rich Steer, an employment law attorney in NYC, who zeroed in on NYC to addess my partner Christina's inquiry into the legality of saying "Bless you" in…
The Right Coast
Reverend Bob Larson performing exorcisms via Skype from Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - The practice of exorcism isn t anything new. It s been around for thousands of years. But thanks to the age of technology a Scottsdale reverend says…
School Law
School District Faced with Possible Lawsuit for Prohibiting Candy Canes with Religious Message
The issue of religious expression in the school setting is potentially facing another legal test in West Covina, California. The school district is being faced with the threat of a…
Employment Discrimination Report
Beard Worth $50,000 To the EEOC
The title is a little flip, but the subject matter of accommodation for religious practices is serious. A Muslim employee of McDonald’s in Fresno requested a religious accommodation: the right to…