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MOGOP Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Trinity Lutheran Case

Today, the United States Supreme Court issued an important ruling in favor of Trinity Lutheran, a church in Columbia Missouri.

This decision dates back to 2012, when the Trinity Lutheran Child Learning Center sought a grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in order to make improvements to its playground. Today, in a 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Trinity and held that a state cannot deny a church a public benefit because of its religious status.

“This is an important victory for people of faith in Missouri and America alike. Governor Greitens recognizes that religious organizations do a lot of important work in our state. He took a stand on this issue earlier this year when he ordered the Department of Natural Resources to allow religious institutions to apply for and receive grants. Today’s ruling, along with Governor Greitens’ efforts, is monumental for ensuring that discrimination against religious institutions in Missouri will not be permitted,” said Austin Stukins, Executive Director of the Missouri Republican Party.