Another institution that is suing the state over the same law, Christian Healthcare Centers, also filed an appeal with the same appellate court after its lawsuit was thrown out. Both organizations are being represented by Alliance Defending Freedom.
“Michigan officials should respect religious organizations’ constitutionally protected freedom to follow the very faith that has motivated them to serve their communities,” ADF senior counsel John Bursch said in a statement.
“Christian Healthcare Centers, for example, should be free to continue its vibrant outreach to the communities it serves through its low-cost, high-quality medical care,” Bursch said.
“And Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish has faithfully served Grand Rapids families for more than a century, and its school provides a rich academic and spiritual environment for hundreds of children. We hope the 6th Circuit will respect their freedoms protected by the First Amendment so that they can continue to serve their communities without being illegitimately subjected to a state law that could undermine their faith and mission.”
The parish alleges in its lawsuit that the new interpretation would allow the attorney general’s office to label its standard of conduct policies for employees at the parish and its school as “discrimination.” The parish’s standard of conduct requires that employees believe, support, and model the faith, which includes adherence to Catholic teachings related to homosexuality and transgenderism.
In addition to hiring practices, the parish is concerned that this reinterpretation of the law could prevent the school from upholding Catholic teaching related to same-sex attraction and transgenderism if the issue arises with students.