The Texas Supreme Court has unanimously ruled in favor of a church ministry that serves ex-prisoners. The case, Pastor Rick Barr & Philemon Homes, Inc. v. City of Sinton, was the first to come before the high court asking for interpretation of the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act (TRFRA).
In 1999, Pastor Barr, a city resident, offered men recently released from prison free housing and free religious instruction in two homes he owned. As a result, the city passed a zoning ordinance precluding the use of homes for that purpose and effectively banned his ministry from the city. Courts have repeatedly ruled against Barr – until the Supreme Court got the case.
"The Texas RFRA is a reflection of the strong belief in religious freedom shared by almost all Texans," said Kelly Shackelford, chief counsel of the Liberty Legal Institute. "The Texas Supreme Court has upheld and respected the will of the people of Texas and rejected the City's attempt to circumvent the law.
"This case drew national and international attention because TRFRA was signed into law by then-Gov. George Bush and because interpretations of the Texas law will have implications on a national level."
-- Josh Montez
