FFRF filed this brief in collaboration with like-minded organizations in support of the denial of a government grant to a church. Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbia, MO applied for a state grant to fund the upgrade of a playground for their preschool. Their application was denied by the state because the Establishment Clause prohibits direct payment of taxpayer funds to churches and other houses of worship.
This brief took the position that the state was correct to deny the grant application because it would otherwise be an Establishment Clause violation. Additionally, the limited record before the court showed a significant risk that the church would use its taxpayer-improved playground for religious activities.
This brief was co-filed with the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Missouri, American Humanist Association, Center for Inquiry, and People for the American Way Foundation.
