Three Boone County men convicted of serious sex offenses are looking to the Indiana Court of Appeals to determine if they can return to their churches as the court considers whether a ruling that the men cannot attend church when children’s programming is in session violates their rights under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Full Article
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Video of oral arguments can be accessed here: https://mycourts.in.gov/arguments/default.aspx?&id=2128&view=detail&yr=&when=&page=1&court=app&search=&direction=%20ASC&future=False&sort=&judge=&county=&admin=False&pageSize=20
Just heard oral argument, once again attorney for the state cited and repeaterly stated the false and high frighten data of recidivism, and john doe attorney failed to rebut that false assumption. One of the justices cited justice Kennedy “the troubling fact of restrictions place on people whom has completed their sentence” from the packingham case. Equally on the recent colorado court, the presiding judge also stated kennedy’s troubling fact in his opinion. Courts are stared to reference kennedy statement in all their opinions. This is a great momentum guys! I recommend u guys listen to the attorney for the state side portion, he was being fried by several justices on his stance!
I am very active in church and have visited many churches in my region. 1) Churches are primarily for Adults. 2) Children attendees are little to none in most churches. 3) The greater danger for sex abuse are from the certified and cleared staff.
Registered Citizens could just join the Jehovah’s Witnesses. They do not ban anyone and they do not offer any special children’s services, teaching or babysitting. Children must attend the same services as their parents no matter their age. Yes, it’s very boring for the kids (and adults).
Not only does it violate RFRA, it violates the First Amendment–which grants a freedom of religious *expression*, not just thoughts. Barring someone from a religious facility (or an atheists’ meeting) is unconstitutional, RFRA aside.
Based on the oral arguments on both sides, and the justices skeptical to accept state cited cases and stance, I am of the opinion that this is an easy win for the Doe.
Here’s the link to the opinion…
https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/indiana-court-appeals-sex-offenders-attend-church-130197/