Staff Reports
The Supreme Court was right to decline to hear the appeal of the College of Ozarks, a Christian university in Missouri that had objected to allowing transgender students to use its facilities. This decision ensures that religious institutions can follow their own religious beliefs without worrying about government interference.
The college sued the Biden administration after HUD told religious schools to accommodate individuals who do not identify as a woman or a man. The college explained that sex is determined by a biological male-female ratio, and it therefore assigns people based on their sex.
The government cannot take away the religious freedom of a faith-based institution, such as the College of the Ozarks, due to its opposition to same-sex marriage and beliefs about women and sexuality. It should also be allowed to follow its religious tradition, and women should not be forced into sharing male-only restrooms.
According to the Biden administration, the college did not have the legal standing to sue. However the guidance issued in 2021 does not require the institution or other housing providers to do anything.
The guidance is based on the Supreme Court's decision in 2020, which stated that sex and gender identity are protected from discrimination in the work environment. Although the court focused its ruling on Title VII, which explicitly prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, national origins, and sex, the majority believed that this section also covers individuals' sexual orientation.
A year ago, The University of Pennsylvania came under fire after it allowed a transgender student to swim with the women's team. Female athletes were then forced to share a single locker room with the individual, making them feel uncomfortable. The incident shows how religious institutions can be affected by such issues.
This video speaks for itself.‼️When female athletes questioned having to share a locker room with a biological male, they were gaslit into thinking they should seek counseling.@Riley_Gaines_ shares an emotional testimony on Capitol Hill on National Girls & Women in Sports Day. pic.twitter.com/Rhs97Fu8qy
— Independent Women's Forum (@IWF) February 1, 2023
The Supreme Court ruled that religious organizations should not be required to violate their principles or values. This decision upholds the protection of religious liberty, which is a fundamental American principle.
Source: Townhall
