Case Law Index
federal2021
Additional Highlights:Free ExerciseFirst AmendmentSame-Sex Couples
Fulton v. City of Philadelphia
United States Supreme Court
Key Holding
Philadelphia's refusal to contract with a Catholic foster care agency that would not certify same-sex couples violated the Free Exercise Clause.
Case Summary
Fulton v. City of Philadelphia held that Philadelphia violated the Free Exercise Clause when it refused to renew a foster care contract with a Catholic social services agency that declined to certify same-sex couples, as the city's non-discrimination policy included a discretionary exception that was not applied neutrally to religious objectors.