Summary of facts: Catholic Charities Bureau sought a religious exemption from the state’s unemployment compensation system so that it could join the Wisconsin Bishop’s unemployment compensation plan (which is more efficient and provides the same level of benefits). Under Wisconsin law, any non-profit “operated primarily for religious purposes” qualifies for this exemption. But the court of appeals in this case held that CCB did not qualify because (1) it was separately incorporated from the Diocese and (2) its “activities” (serving the poor, etc.) were primarily charitable, not religious.

RFI’s position: By imposing the state’s view of what it means to be religious, based on organizational structure and the who and how of charitable service, the Commission and the appeals court are prescribing a single form of religious orthodoxy in the context of the state unemployment law. That violates the U.S. Constitution’s Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses, together with the well-recognized “church autonomy doctrine” that is grounded in both Clauses.

Read the amicus brief here.