Religious Freedom vs. Anti-Discrimination Protections
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is under scrutiny for allegedly violating anti-discrimination laws by denying spousal health benefits to a gay employee’s husband. Civil and religious rights groups argue that the agency’s religious beliefs do not exempt it from complying with federal and state employment laws. This legal battle, currently before the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, centers on whether religious employers must comply with secular anti-discrimination statutes regarding non-ministerial employees.
Legal Case Stems from Withdrawn Insurance Benefits
The case, Doe v. Catholic Relief Services, began after CRS rescinded dependent insurance benefits from the husband of a male employee. Though Maryland legally recognizes same-sex marriage, CRS does not, based on Catholic doctrine. In 2025, a district court awarded the employee $60,000 in damages, ruling that CRS violated the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act. A separate 2022 ruling also found violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Pay Act.
Civil Rights Groups Push Back on Religious Exemptions
Ten advocacy organizations, including the ACLU and Americans United for Separation of Church and State, filed an amicus brief opposing CRS’s appeal. They argue that religious employers cannot ignore anti-discrimination laws simply by citing religious justifications. The brief contends the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) do not provide blanket immunity from civil rights statutes. Since the employee was not a ministerial worker but rather an IT professional, the groups maintain that CRS cannot claim a religious exemption.
CRS and Supporters Cite First Amendment Protections
CRS, with federal government support, claims its actions are protected by the Free Exercise Clause and RFRA. The agency also argues that the government’s enforcement of anti-discrimination laws in this case violates the principle of church autonomy. Alliance Defending Freedom attorney Ryan Tucker called the rulings “troubling,” stating that religious nonprofits must be allowed to uphold their faith-based hiring and benefits policies.
Broader Implications for Religious Employers and LGBTQ Rights
Supporters of the lawsuit warn that siding with CRS could undermine hard-won LGBTQ workplace protections. Americans United President Rachel Laser emphasized that religious freedom should not be used as a pretext to discriminate. The court’s eventual decision may set a significant precedent on how far religious liberty extends in the workplace, especially when it collides with civil rights laws.
Source:
Civil liberties groups say Catholic ministry should not discriminate
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