Federal Court Sides with Church Over Charter School Lease Dispute
A federal judge in Idaho recently determined that a public charter school infringed on a church’s rights by canceling a lease that permitted the church to hold Sunday services in the school’s gymnasium.
This ruling by U.S. District Judge David Nye stems from a dispute about a lease agreement with Truth Family International, a charter school located in Middleton. According to reports, the controversy arose after Sage International applied for around $15 million in bonds for potential improvements through the Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA). However, the state’s detention authorities flagged the lease with the church as a possible breach of the Idaho Blaine Amendment, which bars religious organizations from receiving state funds.
Judge Nye commented on the situation, stating that the motivations behind terminating the lease might be questionable but nonetheless constituted a breach of the church’s constitutional rights.
Further reports noted that the church’s attorney argued the lease termination violated multiple clauses of the First Amendment, including free exercise, establishment, and free speech rights. Nye supported these claims, asserting that the actions to cancel the lease “effectively suppress” religious expression.
Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador expressed satisfaction with the decision, asserting that the government should not discriminate against religious organizations. He emphasized that the Bible Church of True Family deserves equal treatment compared to secular groups.
An IHFA spokesperson welcomed the legal clarity provided by the ruling, suggesting it will help prevent similar issues in the future.
Truth Family Bible Church describes itself on its website as a new church community that started from a Bible study group in local homes. As their community grew, they felt called to expand their mission by establishing new churches. Their objective is to faithfully serve God’s Word within their community and beyond.
Currently, the church is conducting its Sunday services at a gym in a different school.
