Congressman Lamborn Applauds Supreme Court Upholding Religious Liberty in Kennedy v. Bremerton

Press Release

Congressman Doug Lamborn released the following statement, following the Supreme Court's 6-3 decision in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District that affirms an individual's right to engage in prayer and exercise freedom of religion publicly:

"I applaud the Supreme Court for another ruling in favor of an individual's Constitutional right to religious freedom. The United States Constitution protects the free exercise of religious expression, and a person does not forfeit this right just because they work for the government or in a public role.

"This landmark decision is a win for all Americans at a time when religious liberties and free speech have been greatly under attack. Coach Kennedy's right to engage in personal prayer is protected by the First Amendment and this ruling ensures that he may do so, freely and without punishment.

"I was glad to sign onto an amicus brief supporting Coach Kennedy's rights and am gratified to see this historic win for religious freedom!"

Background

In March, Congressman Lamborn joined Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler, Senator James Lankford, and 53 bicameral members of Congress in filing an amicus brief at the Supreme Court in support of Coach Joe Kennedy in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District.

Kennedy was head coach for the Bremerton High School junior varsity football team and an assistant coach for the varsity team. After each game, he waited until the players cleared the field, then took a knee and silently prayed. Bremerton High School sent Kennedy a letter demanding he stop praying after games. Coach Kennedy's contract with Bremerton School District was not renewed, resulting in his termination.

Kennedy filed a lawsuit against Bremerton School District, which a federal district court dismissed. On appeal, a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit argued Kennedy's prayers were not protected by the Constitution because he was praying as a public employee rather than in his private, personal capacity.

In 2019, Coach Kennedy asked the Supreme Court to review the case and fifteen Members of Congress filed an amicus brief in support of Coach Kennedy. The Court denied review of the case, with a concurring statement by four Justices requesting more information. As such, the case went back to the lower courts.

In March 2021, a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit upheld the District Court's decision that Kennedy's silent, public prayers after football games violate the Establishment Clause, and the circuit court denied an appeal for review.

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