Stories in this newsletter:
- Newdow challenge to the Pledge of Allegiance moves from New Hampshire to Massachusetts
- The Becket Fund recognizes Luke Goodrich and Lori H. Windham
- Proposed IRS Regulations Do Not Consider Rights of Churches
- The Becket Fund in the news
Newdow challenge to the Pledge of Allegiance moves from New Hampshire to Massachusetts
In his latest constitutional challenge to the Pledge of Allegiance, atheist activist Dr. Michael Newdow has appealed a loss in New Hampshire federal district court to the First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston. Newdow seeks to overturn Chief Judge Steven McAuliffe's decision in favor of the Hanover, New Hampshire public schools; the lower court ruled that schoolchildren saying the Pledge--including the words “one Nation under God”--does not violate the Constitution. The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, a non-profit civil rights law firm, has once again stepped up to defend the Pledge.
“The Becket Fund will continue to defend the Pledge from coast to coast,” said National Litigation Director Eric Rassbach. “Whether kids are in California, New Hampshire, or somewhere in between, they should have the right to say Pledge, voluntarily, including the words ‘under God.’” For more information visit: http://www.becketfund.org/index.php/article/1163.html
The Becket Fund recognizes Luke Goodrich and Lori Windham
The Becket Fund is pleased to announce two promotions within its Domestic department.
Luke Goodrich, Esq. has been named Deputy National Litigation Director. Luke first came to The Becket Fund in 2008, and since then he has represented religious organizations and individuals in a wide array of religious liberty disputes at both the trial and appellate level. Luke graduated from the University of Chicago Law School with high honors. For more on Luke: http://www.becketfund.org/index.php/person/45.html
Lori H. Windham, Esq. has been named Senior Counsel. Lori has had great success at The Becket Fund and is ready to continue her defense of religious liberty. Lori is a graduate of Harvard Law School and was recently awarded the Abilene Christian University Distinguished Young Alumna Award. Click here to read more about Lori. For more on Lori: http://www.becketfund.org/index.php/person/26.html
Proposed IRS regulations do not consider rights of churches
A proposed IRS regulation does not include any requirement for officials to consider the rights of churches under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act or the First Amendment. In opposition to the proposal, The Becket Fund issued an official commentary to the IRS recommending four concrete changes to its new regulation.
The Becket Fund explains in its commentary that, “It is crucial for the IRS to recognize that its enforcement efforts may unlawfully burden the free exercise of religion.” Revocation of tax-exempt status or other tax penalties are potential risks that may become reality if the proposed regulations are not changed. For more visit: http://www.becketfund.org/index.php/article/1169.html
The Becket Fund in the news:
*Weekly Standard
*NPR debate between Luke Goodrich and Barry Lynn
*NC Family
*Connecticut Law Tribune
