Quiz #88 -- Refusal to grant exemptions -- Is that proper?

Religion Law Quiz #88

 

In Fulton v. City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 141 S. Ct. 1868, 1878 (2021) the regulations adopted by Philadelphia “incorporates a system of individual exemptions, made available in this case at the ‘sole discretion’ of the Commissioner. The City has made clear that the Commissioner ‘has no intention of granting an exception’ to” Catholic Social Services.  Id. (citations omitted).  Was the City of Philadelphia in the right to take this position?    

 

(Scroll down for the answer)

 

Answer:  No.  As the Supreme Court said, “the City ‘may not refuse to extend that [exemption] system to cases of ‘religious hardship’ without compelling reason.”  Fulton v. City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 141 S. Ct. 1868, 1878 (2021) (citation omitted). 

 

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HERE IS AN AI GENERATED SUMMARY OF TODAY’S PODCAST

 

 

Welcome to another insightful episode of Religion Law Podcast. In this episode, our host, Michael Fielding, dissects the Fulton v. City of Philadelphia Supreme Court decision from 2021. A significant case concerning religious freedom and law regulations adopted by the City of Philadelphia, that stirred much contemplation and discussion.

In this judgment, the City of Philadelphia established a system of individual exemptions, made available at the sole discretion of the Commissioner. Interestingly, the Commissioner expressly stated that no exemption would be granted to Catholic social services. This led to the big question - was the city of Philadelphia right in taking this stance?

Many held their views, but here's what the Supreme Court thought - the city was not in the right. The Supreme Court emphasised that if a law significantly burdens the exercise of religion, the government must have a compelling reason for it. The ruling that discretionary determination by a commissioner does not constitute a compelling reason was a key takeaway from the Fulton v. City of Philadelphia decision.

Tune into this riveting episode as we continue dissecting this on Religion Law Quiz number 89. The Religion Law Quizzes intention purely lies in educating listeners about religious freedom and other religion law-related topics in a fun, question-and-answer-style format.

We hope this episode leaves you with some food for thought around religion laws and their complexities. Don't forget to share it with others and leave a review if you find it helpful. Until next time, keep learning and keep influencing for the better.