Today’s #SCOTUS win in #Espinoza v. Montana Board of Revenue is a BIG VICTORY for #religiousfreedom not just in schools, but across the board. Here’s why (THREAD):

First, the Court said that Blaine Amendments are “born of bigotry” and “arose at a time of pervasive hostility to the Catholic Church” and thus have a “shameful pedigree.” (2/9)

If you have any doubts about the rampant discrimination behind Blaine Amendments, Justice Alito included in his concurring opinion an 1871 Thomas Nast cartoon from our brief that shows the anti-Catholic bigotry of the day. (3/9)

Justice Alito’s opinion also explains in great detail the anti-Catholic history of the Blaine Amendments and the code word “sectarian,” which was used to denigrate Catholics. (4/9)

Second, #SCOTUS made an even bigger ruling: it said that denying equal treatment to religious groups just because they are religious violates the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. Religious status discrimination is unconstitutional, whether in schools or elsewhere. 5/9

It is hard to overstate the importance of the Court’s decision that religious status discrimination is unconstitutional and forbidden in government programs of all sorts. It cuts across all of society. (6/9)

This means gov’ts can no longer use Blaines & anti-religion laws as an excuse to discriminate against religious groups that do good work. Orgs that shelter the homeless, prison ministries fighting recidivism, and soup kitchens and hospitals that serve the poor – all protected.(7)

Today’s decision also helps low-income families and immigrants have access to schools that offer programs that meet the needs of their kids. Catholic immigrants were the initial target of Blaine Amendments, and we are happy that this decision is the end of these bigoted laws! (8)

This also means that gov’t officials can’t treat religious people or institutions worse. (We are looking at you @NYCMayor de Blasio! You can’t put protests above assembling for worship.) Denying equal treatment to religious groups is illegal. (9/fin)