Center for Inquiry v. Jones

Top 10 Case
Becket Role:
Counsel

Scoreboard

Decision:
Won
Decision Date:
January 20, 2016
Deciding Court:
Circuit Court of the Second Judicial Circuit, Florida
Decision

Case Snapshot

Prisoners of Christ and Lamb of God Ministries have helped thousands of former prisoners get back on their feet. Although the state only covers a fraction of their costs, they serve at a financial loss because their faith calls them to serve. When the atheist group Center for Inquiry sued the state of Florida and the ministries in an attempt to shut down the partnerships, Becket successfully defended the ministries in court in 2016.

Status

In January 2016, a Tallahassee court ruled in favor of Prisoners of Christ and Lamb of God ministries. The atheist group chose not to appeal the ruling, meaning the case is over and the ministries may continue their valuable service to society.

Case Summary


Meet Prisoners of Christ and Lamb of God Ministries

Addiction is a major problem and cause of criminal recidivism in the United States. To help break this vicious cycle, the state of Florida works with private organizations like Prisoners of Christ and Lamb of God Ministries to help those recently released from prison assimilate back into society.

For as little as $14 a day from the state, the groups help men find transportation, medical services, job training and whatever basic services they need to find work, stay sober, and make a successful transition back into society. The groups also provide, at no cost to the state, substance abuse treatment modeled on Alcoholics Anonymous. The entire program is voluntary—individuals can choose to participate, choose which sessions best fits their needs, and also choose to join in optional religious discussions if they find them helpful.

Prisoners of Christ and Lamb of God Ministries’ success rate is nearly three times the national average, and Prisoners of Christ alone has helped over 2,300 people get back on their feet. Although the state only covers a fraction of their costs, they serve at a financial loss because their faith calls them to serve.

The atheists who wanted them gone

The Center for Inquiry—an atheist group affiliated with the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason & Science—sued the state of Florida and the ministries in an attempt to shut down the partnerships. The atheist group claimed that state funds should never go to “pervasively sectarian” groups—even when those groups provide valuable services like room, board, and job training assistance. Even though the services are provided at a bargain price. Even though no state money goes to religious activities. Even though the program works.

Becket defends religious ministries who do valuable work for society

Becket represented Prisoners of Christ and Lamb of God Ministries together with prominent Florida firm Ausley McMullen. The state of Florida also defended the program.

The issue was a provision of the Florida constitution enacted more than a century ago during a wave of anti-Catholic sentiment that barred state aid to “sectarian” institutions. Many states enacted laws during that time period that barred state funds for “sectarian,” or Catholic organizations. Today, these archaic laws, known as Blaine Amendments, are often dredged up and used against public-private partnerships with a wide variety of faith groups.

In January 2016, a Tallahassee court ruled in favor of Prisoners of Christ and Lamb of God ministries. The court rejected the atheist group’s argument as “discriminatory” and stated that its extreme view of the law could stop the state from partnering with Florida’s large Baptist and Catholic hospital systems to serve the poor. The atheist group chose not to appeal the ruling, meaning the case is over and the ministries may continue their valuable service to society.

Importance to Religious Liberty:

  • Dismantling discriminatory state laws: While anti-religious laws from the mid-19th century remain in place, people of all faiths are at risk of facing discrimination. Faith-based ministries have the right to partner with the state to provide a valuable service to society.

Case Information

Becket Role:
Counsel
Case Start Date:
May 21, 2007
Deciding Court:
Circuit Court of the Second Judicial Circuit, Florida
Original Court:
Circuit Court of the Second Judicial Circuit, Florida
Practice Area(s):