“Supreme Court hears Catholic plea to participate in Colorado preschool program”

Key points

• Supreme Court will decide if Catholic entities can join a state-funded preschool program without full antidiscrimination compliance.
• Plaintiffs argue Colorado excludes Catholic preschools solely due to religious exercise; state disputes this.
• Program funded by taxpayers; preschools may participate if they agree to anti-discrimination rules.
• Court's decision touches on First Amendment free exercise and prior rulings on religious exemptions.
• Catholic Charities operates some participating preschools; other church-affiliated schools face restrictions.