Christian schools must follow state LGBT policies to qualify for tuition program: appeals court

A U.S. appeals court ruling allows Maine to require private Christian schools to follow the state’s LGBT nondiscrimination policies to remain eligible for a tuition assistance program, while limiting those requirements in part. In Crosspoint Church v. A. Pender Makin et al., the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last week on whether Crosspoint’s Bangor Christian School must comply with the Maine Human Rights Act. The three-judge panel denied Crosspoint a permanent injunction that would have blocked the law. Circuit Judge William Kayatta said the church did not show specific anti-school animus, but the court agreed the state’s religious expression rule violated the church’s free exercise rights. The case was sent back to the district court for further proceedings consistent with the opinion.