Plain-English summary
Court: Philadelphia violated Free Exercise when it refused to contract with faith-based foster agency over same-sexcoupe
The Court held that Philadelphia violated the Free Exercise Clause by ending a foster-care contract with Catholic Social Services (CSS) because CSS would not certify same‑sex couples as foster parents. The Court reversed the Third Circuit and sent the case back for further proceedings.
Why this matters
The decision narrows how government actions that affect religious organizations are judged. It clarifies that courts should not limit Free Exercise claims only to a particular kind of discrimination showing and that governments must meet strict scrutiny when they target religious conduct or apply rules in a way that burdens religion. That may affect how cities and agencies regulate and contract with faith‑based service providers.
Who may feel it
- Faith-based and religious service providers (e.g., charities, adoption and foster agencies)
- Local governments and agencies that set contract or nondiscrimination rules
- Same‑sex couples seeking to foster or adopt through faith‑based agencies
- People who receive social services arranged by religious organizations