Washington ((CNN)) -former teacher at a religious school Michigan lost his employment discrimination claims in the Supreme Court Wednesday, judge deftly avoided the bigger questions raised in the Church-State disputes.
At issue is whether the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to hiring and firing decisions involving “Minister employees” like teachers who may be especially secular job duties.
Unanimous Court of Appeal concluded Cheryl Perich’s “Prime Minister” under the narrow reading of the law and the circumstances of a particular job duties.
“The Public Interest in enforcement of employment discrimination law is necessarily important,” said Chairman John Roberts. “But so too is the interests of religious groups in selecting who will preach their beliefs, teach their faith, and carry out their mission.
“When a Minister who has been fired is suing the Church stated that his termination was discriminatory, the first amendment has struck a balance to us. The Church should be free to choose those that will guide the way. “