Supreme Court backs Catholic Charities push to object to state taxes on religious grounds
CNNMAY 22
Supreme Court Rules for Catholic Charity in Tax Exemption Case
Above: People walk in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on June 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C., U.S. Image copyright: Andrew Harnik/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This ruling is a triumph for religious freedom, Catholic charity workers, and the nation. By overturning Wisconsin's discriminatory policy, the Court upheld the First Amendment's mandate of government neutrality between religions. This protects Catholic Charities' mission to serve all, reflecting Christ's call to aid the poor, and ensures the state cannot discriminate based on theological differences.
Narrative B
This ruling undermines workers' rights and state-church separation. By granting a tax exemption to Catholic Charities, despite their secular services and public funding, the Court risks stripping unemployment protections from countless nonreligious employees at similar nonprofits. This decision favors religious privilege over equal treatment, threatening vulnerable workers and eroding constitutional neutrality.