The Supreme Court issued two critical decisions today

In the Hein case, separationist taxpayers challenged a federal faith-based initiatives program.  The federal district court in Wisconsin dismissed the case, ruling that taxpayers had no standing -- capacity to sue -- because there was no federal grant at issue.  But a federal appeals court reinstated the suit ruling that the separationists had standing to challenge the use of federal funds to run the challenged program.  The federal government appealed to the Supreme Court.

In the 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court sent a strong message that atheists and others antagonistic to religion do not get an automatic free pass to bring Establishment Clause lawsuits.

Read our News Release on Hein v. Freedom From Religion Foundation

In the second decision, the Supreme Court dealt a severe blow to a campaign finance provision that amounts to nothing more than censorship.  In his opinion, Chief Justice Roberts cited the Brief of the American Center for Law & Justice in support of the issue advocacy ads being allowed to air with in the 30 and 60 day periods.  This decision will open the door to further challenges of free speech restrictions and represents a First Amendment victory for those who want to express their views on issues that matter most prior to an election.

The ACLJ filed an amicus brief with the Court behalf of itself and Focus on the Family, a non-profit religious corporation committed to strengthening the family.

Read our News Release on FEC v. Wisconsin Right to Life and McCain v. Wisconsin Right to Life