WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court today rejected an appeal from the Christian Legal Society, which sued to get funding and recognition from the University of California's Hastings College of the Law. The college policy stipulates that no recognized campus groups may exclude people due to religious belief and sexual orientation, among other characteristics, a policy the Christian Legal Society did not fully abide by. The National Center for Lesbian Rights and Paul Smith of Jenner & Block LLP represent Outlaw, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender student group that intervened to defend Hastings' nondiscrimination policy.

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

"The Supreme Court ruled correctly in rejecting the challenge from the Christian Legal Society, which sought school funding and recognition despite being in clear violation of the college's nondiscrimination policy. The court rightly found that the First Amendment rights of association, free speech and free exercise were not violated by Hastings' decision. It simply said the college did not have to fund a group that violated the school policy requiring all recognized student groups to be open to every student. Schools all across the country are working to create welcoming environments for all students. This ruling supports that important effort. No school group or organization should be given public money to discriminate against other students."