Some there are—many, perhaps—who are offended by public displays of religion. Religion, they believe, is a personal matter; if it must be given external manifestation, that should not occur in public places where others may be offended. I can understand that attitude: It parallels my own toward the playing in public of rock music or Stravinsky. And I too am especially annoyed when the intrusion upon my inner peace occurs while I am part of a captive audience, as on a municipal bus or in the waiting room of a public agency.
Justice Antonin Scalia, dissenting to the Supreme Court’s denying to hear a case about high school graduations held in religious facilities, the denial of the writ of certiorari to Elmbrook vs. John Doe et al., 573 U.S. ______.
Justice Clarence Thomas joined Scalia in the dissent.
But, he argues, religion is protected by the First Amendment, our music choices are not.
Read the dissent (way down at the bottom).
Easter services at Elmbrook Church, in Brookfield, Wisconsin.
I suppose to some, high school graduation ceremonies are a lot like being forced to listen to rap music at intersections. To others, high school graduations may seem akin to religious experience. Not sure either view means the ceremonies should be held in churches.
This case is 14 years in the justice system.
More:
- “Elmbrook School District moves on after Supreme Court decision,” Brookfield Now, June 17, 2014
- “Supreme Court declines to hear appeal in Elmbrook graduation,” Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal, June 17, 2014
- SCOTUS Blog coverage of the case (details, for you finicky readers)
- Constitution Daily blog coverage of the cert denial
Millard Fillmore's Bathtub 