A federal judge in Maine has ruled that the state did not violate the U.S. constitutional rights of religious schools by requiring them to adhere to the state's antidiscrimination law in order to receive taxpayer-funded tuition assistance. U.S. District Judge John Woodcock Jr. stated that there is no constitutional violation in mandating religious schools to comply with the Maine Human Rights Act.
The judge's decision comes in response to a lawsuit that highlights the clash between a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling and Maine state law. The Supreme Court ruling stated that Maine cannot discriminate against religious schools in providing tuition assistance, while the state law requires schools participating in the program to follow the Maine Human Rights Act, which includes protections for LGBTQ individuals.
The Maine Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on various factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or disability. This means that schools must not discriminate against gay and transgender teachers and students, even if it conflicts with their religious beliefs.
A notice of appeal has been filed with the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston following Judge Woodcock's decision. The lawsuit was brought by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, St. Dominic's Academy, and parents seeking to use state tuition funds for their children's education at St. Dominic's.
The ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court was seen as a victory for proponents of school choice, allowing taxpayer money to be directed to private, religious education. However, the impact in Maine has been limited, with only one religious school, Cheverus High School, participating in the state's tuition reimbursement plan since the ruling.
It remains to be seen how the appeals court will address this complex legal issue that intersects religious freedom, antidiscrimination laws, and educational funding.
