Supreme Court finally refuses to rule on dispute between Jewish university and LGBTQ students

The United States Supreme Court on Wednesday, September 14, reversed its decision in favor of a Jewish university that refused to grant student union status to a group of young gay, bisexual and transgender students. emergency entry, The High Court stayed a judge’s decision on Friday Ordered Yeshiva University of New York to register student club “Yeshiva Pride Alliance” in fall 2022.

He ultimately ruled that the establishment had not exhausted all available remedies at the state level and reversed his first ruling. If the university fails at this level, “She may come back to this court”However, he adds, the legal battle is far from over.

Four of its judges — out of nine — recused themselves from the decision. “The First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion and action (…) “Forbids the State to impose its own reading of the Holy Scriptures.”These conservative judges argue. “It is our duty to defend the Constitution even if it is controversial”They continue.

A broader debate about respect for religious freedom

Yeshiva University was founded in the late 19th century^e century “To promote the study of the Talmud”, welcomes around 5,000 students and offers diplomas in various subjects such as biology, psychology or accounting. In 2018, LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) students formed the Yeshiva Pride Alliance and sought to become an organization recognized by the institution.

Seized by the group, a New York judge cited a local law as a reason for prohibiting discrimination. The university authorities then approached the Supreme Court. “As a deeply religious Jewish university, Yeshiva cannot comply with this order because it violates its true religious beliefs on the values ​​of the Torah to impart to students.”She pleaded on appeal.

The conflict is part of a broader debate in the United States about the balance between respect for religious freedoms and nondiscrimination policies. Authorizing prayers in playgrounds, subsidizing religious schools or displaying the Christian flag in town halls: The Supreme Court, deeply reshuffled by former President Donald Trump, has made several decisions in recent months in favor of religions.

In June, he also overturned his ruling that guaranteed the right to abortion, something the religious right had fought for nearly fifty years.