Thomas More Law Center Explained

Thomas More Law Center
Size:100px
Founders:-->
Headquarters:Ann Arbor, Michigan
Region Served:United States
Leader Title:President and Chief Counsel
Leader Name:Richard Thompson
Parent Organisation:, if one -->
Budget:US$1,378,329 (2012)[1]

The Thomas More Law Center is a Christian, conservative, nonprofit, public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and active throughout the United States.[2] According to the Thomas More Law Center website, its goals are to "preserve America's Judeo-Christian heritage, defend the religious freedom of Christians, restore time-honored moral and family values, protect the sanctity of human life, and promote a strong national defense and a free and sovereign United States of America."[3] [4]

The Thomas More Law Center is active in social issues such as opposing same-sex marriage,[5] abortion,[6] provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act[7] and the HHS Mandate.[8] The Law Center has been involved, often unsuccessfully, in high-profile cases including the litigation of the Dover, Pennsylvania intelligent design case,[9] the defense of Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani against misconduct allegations stemming from the November 2005 Haditha incident,[10] and the Law Center's federal lawsuit against the US Government regarding the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Individual Mandate.[7] The Law Center also litigates cases related to the defense of Christians and anti-abortion activists,[11] and has successfully defended the use of dark money in American elections.[12]

Founding and history

The center was founded in 1999 by Domino's Pizza founder Tom Monaghan[13] and the center's current President and Chief Counsel Richard Thompson, a former Oakland County, Michigan prosecutor known for his role in the prosecution of Jack Kevorkian.[14] Among those who have sat on the center's advisory board are former Senators Rick Santorum[15] and retired Rear Admiral Jeremiah Denton,[16] former Major League Baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn,[17] Catholic academic Charles Rice, Mary Cunningham Agee, and Ambassador Alan Keyes.[18] The center's Citizens' Advisory Board also includes Representative Michele Bachmann and Lieutenant Colonel Allen West.[19] [20] The center is primarily financed by contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations and is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization.[21]

Name

The center is named after Thomas More, an English lawyer, social philosopher, author, statesman and Renaissance humanist. He was an important councilor to Henry VIII and was Lord Chancellor.[22] More opposed the Protestant Reformation, in particular, the theology of Martin Luther and William Tyndale, whose books he burned. More later opposed the King's separation from the Catholic Church and refused to accept him as Supreme Head of the Church of England because it disparaged papal authority. He was tried for treason, convicted, and beheaded. Thomas More is the patron saint of lawyers in the Catholic Church.

Notable cases

Intelligent design

In 2005 The Thomas More Law Center represented the defendants in one of the country's first intelligent design cases, Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District.

Prior to taking on this particular case, the lawyers of the Thomas More Law Center traveled the country seeking a school board willing to withstand a lawsuit as a test case for the teaching of intelligent design in public schools, forcing the first test case for intelligent design in the courts.[23]

In the summer of 2004, the Dover, Pennsylvania, school board, after receiving legal advice from the Discovery Institute, accepted the center's offer of advice and possible representation, as they worked to change their science curriculum. On November 19, 2004, the Defendant Dover Area School District announced that, commencing in January 2005, teachers would be required to read a statement to students in the ninth grade biology class at Dover High School:

"The Pennsylvania Academic Standards require students to learn about Darwin's Theory of Evolution and eventually to take a standardized test of which evolution is a part. Because Darwin's Theory is a theory, it continues to be tested as new evidence is discovered. The Theory is not a fact. Gaps in the Theory exist for which there is no evidence. A theory is defined as a well-tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations. Intelligent Design is an explanation of the origin of life that differs from Darwin's view. The reference book, Of Pandas and People, is available for students who might be interested in gaining an understanding of what Intelligent Design actually involves. With respect to any theory, students are encouraged to keep an open mind. The school leaves the discussion of the Origins of Life to individual students and their families. As a Standards-driven district, class instruction focuses upon preparing students to achieve proficiency on Standards-based assessments."[24]

A large number of copies of Of Pandas and People had been donated to the school by a member of the school board who purchased them using money he had given to his father, Donald Bonsell, and said they were donations solicited from his church.[25] A month later, on December 14, 2004, the ACLU and Americans United for Separation of Church and State filed suit on behalf of eleven Dover parents, claiming that the statement was a violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

The Center defended the school district in the trial, which lasted from September 26 through November 4.

The case was decided on December 20, 2005. Judge John E. Jones III delivered a 139-page decision in favor of the plaintiffs, ruling that Intelligent Design is not science but essentially religious in nature, and consequently inappropriate for a biology class. Members of the board that had originally enacted the policy were not re-elected, preventing an appeal.

The judge was scathing about the conduct of the defendants, saying "It is ironic that several of these individuals, who so staunchly and proudly touted their religious convictions in public, would time and again lie to cover their tracks and disguise the real purpose behind the ID Policy" and "The students, parents, and teachers of the Dover Area School District deserved better than to be dragged into this legal maelstrom, with its resulting utter waste of monetary and personal resources".[26]

Christian religious freedom issues

Abortion & euthanasia issues

Sexual orientation and gender identity

Islam issues

Military and national security issues

On June 17, 2008, Military Judge Colonel Steven Folsom dismissed all charges against Chessani on the grounds that General James Mattis, who approved the filing of charges against Chessani, was improperly influenced by an investigator probing the incident. The ruling was without prejudice, which allows the prosecution to refile.[66]

Free speech

In reference to the case, Richard Thompson, the Law Center's president and chief counsel said, "The purpose of our lawsuit was to protect students' constitutional rights to free speech, defend religious liberty and stop public schools from becoming indoctrination centers for the homosexual agenda."[82] In June 2013, the claims against Howell Schools were dismissed. However, the claims that the teacher involved violated the student's First Amendment right to Free Speech were granted, and the teacher was ordered to pay $1 for the violation.[82] [83]

Ten Commandments monuments

Christmas

After receiving a complaint by the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation, the Road Commission of Macomb County told Satawa to remove the holiday display, citing incomplete permits. Satawa's permit application was later denied because it "clearly displays a religious message" and violated "separation of church and state", according to Macomb County Highway Engineer Robert Hoepfner.[99] After a four year court battle, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ruled in favor of the display and the roads commission opted not to appeal the ruling, granting Satawa a permit for the display.[100] [101]

Other

Additional cases

The Thomas More Law Center casework also includes their defense of Father Ray Leonard;[115] 12 challenges to the HHS mandate on behalf of various closely held corporations and non-profit groups; and the Law Center's defense of Lt. Col. Christopher Downey.[116]

Evaluations

Charity evaluator Charity Navigator rated the center with three stars out of a possible four overall, based on their filings for the fiscal year ending December 2013. This overall rating reflects the combination of a three-star financial rating and a three-star accountability and transparency rating.[117] For the fiscal year ending December 2011, the organization had a one-star overall, reflecting one star each for financial and accountability and transparency.[118] Those same ratings repeated for the year ending December 2012.[119]

The Southern Poverty Law Center designated the center as an anti-Muslim hate group as of 2019.[120]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Thomas More Law Center . www.guidestar.org . . en . 2017-08-09.
  2. Web site: TEA Party Sues City of Coldwater, Michigan Over Free Speech Rights. canadafreepress.com.
  3. Web site: About the Thomas More Law Center - Thomas More Law Center. Thomas More Law Center.
  4. Web site: Former Army ranger raises awareness, funds at Law Center - Washtenaw County Legal News. legalnews.com.
  5. Web site: Conservative Christian groups join legal fight to keep Michigan's gay marriage ban. Detroit Free Press.
  6. Web site: Anti-abortion protesters to push ahead with lawsuit, despite repeal of Portland buffer zone. Bangor Daily News. 8 July 2014.
  7. Web site: Thomas More Law Center v. Obama. SCOTUS Blog.
  8. Web site: Organic Eden Foods' quiet right-wing agenda. Salon. 11 April 2013.
  9. News: Judge Rejects Teaching Intelligent Design . Goodstein . Laurie . The New York Times . 21 December 2005 . 2018-09-30 . en.
  10. Web site: Court upholds dismissal of charges in Haditha case. Los Angeles Times. 18 March 2009 .
  11. Web site: Pro-Life Group Denied Recognition By Johns Hopkins University Student Government Turns To The Thomas More Law Center. The Desert Review.
  12. News: Thomas More Law Center Victory Over California AG - Big Win For Free Speech Or Dark Money? . Reilly . Peter J . Forbes . 2018-09-30 . en.
  13. Web site: Domino's Pizza Founder Thomas Monaghan Sues: Obamacare's Birth Control A 'Grave Sin'. jobs.aol.com.
  14. News: Prosecutor of Kevorkian Loses Re-election Bid. New York Times. 8 August 1996.
  15. News: Santorum Breaks With Christian-Rights Law Center. Washington Post.
  16. Web site: Thomas More Law Center Fights for Mt. Soledad Cross. LegalNews.com.
  17. Web site: Law Center Fights Calif. AG Over Donor Lists. Courthouse News Service.
  18. Web site: Allen West Joins Far-Right Thomas More Law Center. People for the American Way. 3 May 2012.
  19. Web site: Michele Bachmann joins board of Ann Arbor-based Christian activists. Detroit Free Press.
  20. Web site: Citizens Advisory Board | Thomas More Law Center . 2013-10-01 . 2013-10-04 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131004215634/http://www.thomasmore.org/about/citizens-advisory-board/citizens-advisory-board . dead .
  21. Web site: Thomas More Law Center Guidestar Report. Guidestar.
  22. Linder, Douglas O. The Trial of Sir Thomas More: A Chronology at University Of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School Of Law
  23. Web site: In Intelligent Design Case, a Cause in Search of a Lawsuit . Goodstein . Laurie . 2005-11-04 . The New York Times . en-US . 2017-08-09.
  24. Web site: Kitzmiller v Dover Area School District Memorandum Opinion. DISTRICT COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA.
  25. News: Judge grills Dover official . York Daily Record . 2005 . Laura . Lebo . 2008-03-20.
  26. News: Judge rules against 'intelligent design' . 2005-12-21 . msnbc.com . 2018-09-30 . en.
  27. Web site: Town Finds a Dark Side to Rainbows. . Associated Press. 24 February 2001 .
  28. Web site: City to drop investigation into officer's views on homosexuality. Baptist Press. 16 January 2001 .
  29. https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1988&dat=20031208&id=724iAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Gq0FAAAAIBAJ&pg=5057,3201424 "Judge: Ann Arbor schools violated student's rights."
  30. News: Lawsuit Attacks Schools' Ban on Nativity Scenes. New York Times. December 11, 2002. Daniel J. Wakin.
  31. Web site: SKOROS v. CITY OF NEW YORK - Leagle.com. leagle.com.
  32. Web site: Court: Teacher can't refer to 'God' in class banners. Greg Moran. U-T San Diego.
  33. "Planned Parenthood sued over abortion's risk." San Diego Union-Tribune, August 16, 2001.
  34. "Suit alleging abortion-cancer link dismissed." San Diego Union-Tribune, March 21, 2002.
  35. Web site: BERNARDO v. PLANNED PARENTHOOD FEDERATION OF AMERICA. Leagle.com.
  36. Web site: Abortion foes sue Great Falls. Billings Gazette, Associated Press. 22 August 2001 .
  37. Web site: Conservatives Urge Governor To Intervene In Schiavo Case. WJXT. News4Jax.
  38. Web site: Michael Schiavo, as Guardian of the person of Theresa Marie Schiavo, Petitioner, v. Jeb Bush, Governor of the State of Florida, and Charlie Crist, Attorney General of the State of Florida, Respondents, Case No. 03-008212-CI-20 . Baird, W. Douglas, Circuit Judge. . Florida Sixth Judicial Circuit . 2005-05-05 . 2006-02-03 .
  39. Web site: Fitzgerald v City of Portland Complaint. Thomas More Law Center.
  40. Web site: Judge dismisses most of lawsuit over since-repealed abortion clinic buffer zone. Bangor Daily News. 27 October 2014.
  41. 85,030 . Supreme Court of Kansas . March 15, 2002 . https://caselaw.findlaw.com/ks-supreme-court/1315983.html . June 1, 2015 . J'Noel remains a transsexual, and a male for purposes of marriage under K.S.A.2001 Supp. 23-101.
  42. Web site: ROHDE v. ANN ARBOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS - Leagle.com. leagle.com.
  43. Web site: Public universities go to battle in favor of same-sex benefits. Catholic News Agency.
  44. Web site: ROHDE v. ANN ARBOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS - Leagle.com. leagle.com.
  45. Web site: FOXNews.com - Group Sues to Halt to Same-Sex Benefits. foxnews.com.
  46. News: Michigan State sued over benefits for same-sex partners . USA Today . July 6, 2006.
  47. News: Ruling on same-sex benefits weighed . https://web.archive.org/web/20141007032555/http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/05/ruling_on_samesex_benefits_wei.html. October 7, 2014 . Mlive.com . May 8, 2008 . November 2, 2013.
  48. http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090325/ARTICLES/903259994/1002?Title=Voters-say-no-to-Amend-1 Voters say no to Amend. 1
  49. Web site: Six words of separation. Detroit Metro Times.
  50. Web site: Coalition Of Black Pastors Speaks Out Against Gay Marriage. Huffington Post. 15 May 2014.
  51. Web site: BRIEF OF THE NATIONAL COALITION OF BLACK PASTORS AND CHRISTIAN LEADERS AS AMICI CURIAE IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANTS-APPELLEES. Thomas More Law Center.
  52. Web site: BRIEF OF THE COALITION OF BLACK PASTORS FROM DETROIT, OUTSTATE MICHIGAN, AND OHIO AS AMICI CURIAE SUPPORTING DEFENDANTS-APPELLANTS. Thomas More Law Center.
  53. Web site: BRIEF FOR THE NATIONAL COALITION OF BLACK PASTORS AND CHRISTIAN LEADERS AS AMICI CURIAE IN SUPPORT OF RESPONDENTS. Thomas More Law Center.
  54. Web site: BRIEF FOR THE NATIONAL COALITION OF BLACK PASTORS AND CHRISTIAN LEADERS AS AMICI CURIAE IN SUPPORT OF RESPONDENTS. Thomas More Law Center.
  55. Web site: BRIEF FOR THE NATIONAL COALITION OF BLACK PASTORS AND CHRISTIAN LEADERS AS AMICI CURIAE IN SUPPORT OF PETITIONERS. Thomas More Law Center.
  56. Web site: BRIEF FOR THE NATIONAL COALITION OF BLACK PASTORS AND CHRISTIAN LEADERS AS AMICI CURIAE IN SUPPORT OF PETITIONERS. Thomas More Law Center.
  57. Web site: California school sued over Islamic drills. The Washington Times.
  58. News: Federal judge finds no fault with Berkeley school's lessons on Islam. Santa Cruz Sentinel . December 12, 2003. 8. Michelle. Locke.
  59. News: End of the Line for Four Cases. The Philadelphia Inquirer. October 3, 2006. A6.
  60. Web site: Kevin Murray v. U.S. Treasury Sec. Timothy Geithner, et al. Complaint. Thomas More Law Center U.S. District Court Southern District of Michigan.
  61. Web site: Archived copy . 2012-01-28 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110928024318/http://www.thomasmore.org/downloads/sb_thomasmore/AIGCase-OrderDenyingDefendantsMotiontoDismiss.pdf . 2011-09-28 .
  62. Web site: Shrestha . Bibeka . Judge Nixes Catholic Man's Suit Over AIG Bailout . Law360 . 2011-01-14 . 2011-09-19.
  63. Web site: Olmsted Falls school district pulls video on Islam after conservative group raises possible legal challenge. Cleveland Plain Dealer. 4 October 2013.
  64. Web site: 30 Days - "Muslims and America". IMDB.
  65. Web site: REPORT OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON MILITARY JUSTICE IN COMBAT ZONES. Defense Legal Policy Board.
  66. News: Marine Cleared In Haditha Massacre . 2008-07-17 . . 2008-06-18.
  67. Web site: Downey v. United States Department of the Army - Filed Complaint. Thomas More Law Center.
  68. News: Scarborough . Rowan . November 12, 2014 . Combat pilot who tried to halt lesbian kissing episode faces discharge . Washington Times . Washington D.C. . June 15, 2015.
  69. Web site: Notification to Appear Before and Officer Board of Inquiry. Captain Alan Wehbé.
  70. Web site: Report of Proceedings by Investigating Board of Officers. Col. Todd E. Key.
  71. Web site: Teen allowed to wear shirt. Amarillo Globe News.
  72. Web site: Students Take Pro-Life Message Into Public Schools Today. Christian News Service.
  73. Web site: California Teen Wins Fight with High School Over Pro-Life T-shirt. National Catholic Register.
  74. News: UK 'least wanted' list published . . 2009-05-05 . 2009-05-05 .
  75. News: 'Who is on UK least wanted list' . . 2009-05-05 . 2009-05-05 .
  76. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/5282245/US-talkshow-host-to-sue-Jacqui-Smith-over-ban-from-Britain.html US talkshow host Michael Savage to sue Jacqui Smith over ban from Britain
  77. Web site: Radio host Savage always up for a fight. The Washington Times.
  78. Web site: Jessica . Chasmar . Michael Savage, still banned from U.K., petitions Donald Trump to step in . The Washington Times . May 3, 2017 . April 18, 2018.
  79. News: Jones Released from Jail After Paying 'Peace Bond'. 2011-04-22. WJBK. 3 November 2012. Dearborn. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130702110254/http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/18461890/jones-released-from-jail-after-paying-peace-bond. 2 July 2013.
  80. News: Judge vacates 'breach of peace' judgement against Terry Jones . . Wattrick . Jeff . November 11, 2011 . November 3, 2012.
  81. Web site: Religious beliefs allegedly get boy booted from class. USA Today.
  82. Web site: Student Wins Free-Speech Lawsuit Against Teacher. CBS Detroit. 22 June 2013.
  83. Glowacki v. Howell Public School District . 2:11-CV-15481. United States District Court, E.D. Michigan, Southern Division . June 19, 2013. . http://www.leagle.com/decision/In%20FDCO%2020130620C37. June 5, 2015. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment, (ECF No. 24), is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART. Plaintiffs' Motion is GRANTED with respect to Daniel's free speech claim against Defendant McDowell but DENIED as to all other claims. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Defendant McDowell's Motion for Summary Judgment, (ECF No. 21), is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART. McDowell's Motion is DENIED only as to Daniel's free speech claim against him but is GRANTED as to all other claims. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Defendant School District's Motion for Summary Judgment, (ECF No. 23), is GRANTED..
  84. Web site: Judge nixes religious group's planned display. Salt Lake Tribune.
  85. Web site: Move of Ten Commandments monument ends lawsuit against Duchesne. Salt Lake Tribune. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110604204831/http://www.sltrib.com/ci_12812615. 2011-06-04.
  86. Web site: Summum wants lawsuit against Duchesne dismissed. Desert News. 3 June 2009.
  87. Web site: Judge rules in favor of keeping Ten Commandments monument in Utah Park. Catholic News Agency.
  88. Society of Separationists v. Pleasant Grove City et al.. 04-4136. United States Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit. August 1, 2005 . https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-10th-circuit/1302351.html . June 2, 2015 . We therefore REVERSE the lower court's grant of judgment on the pleadings and REMAND for further proceedings..
  89. Web site: Separationists quit Commandments suit. Salt Lake Tribune.
  90. Web site: Florida town sued for not allowing display of Christian Nativity. Catholic News Agency.
  91. Web site: Judge Enters Nativity Dispute. Sun Sentinel.
  92. Web site: Palm Beach council rejects request to put Nativity near menorah. The St. Augustine Record.
  93. Web site: Christmas in July—Palm Beach Apologizes for Refusing Nativity Scene. Christianity Today. June 2004 .
  94. Web site: Federal judge rules in favor of Nativity. Catholic News Agency.
  95. News: Court rejects Nativity ban. The Orlando Sentinel. December 17, 2004. B5. Noaki. Schwartz.
  96. Web site: More Center Fights Bans on Christmas Music and Symbolism. Christian Post.
  97. Web site: Ban On School Christmas Carols Upheld. Huffington Post. 6 October 2010.
  98. Web site: Stratechuk v. Board of Education, South Orange-Maplewood School District et al.. New Jersey Law Journal.
  99. Web site: Michigan Man Sues for Right to Put Back Family's Nativity Scene on Public Median. Fox News. 25 March 2015.
  100. John Satawa v. Mcomb County Road Commission et al. . 11-1612 . UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALSFor The Sixth Circuit. August 1, 2012 . http://www.ca6.uscourts.gov/opinions.pdf/12a0236p-06.pdf . June 2, 20015. The crèche, as discussed above, is private religious expression, "fully protectedunder the Free Speech Clause.".
  101. Web site: Court Rules in Favor of Public Nativity Scene. Fox News.
  102. Web site: L.A. County seal has its day in court. LA Daily News. 18 October 2006.
  103. News: Supreme Court Rejects Challenge of Seal. The Signal. December 4, 2007 . Parimal M.. Rohit.
  104. Web site: The Claremont Institute - The L.A. County Seal Case . Claremont.org . 2011-09-19.
  105. Web site: Mt. Soledad cross stays — for a while, at least. SCOTUS Blog. 30 June 2014.
  106. Web site: U.S. Supreme Court declines to take up Mt. Soledad cross case. L.A. Times. 30 June 2014.
  107. Web site: Mt. Soledad cross to stand as veterans group buys land from Defense Department. The Washington Times. Richardson . Valerie. 27 June 2017.
  108. News: Soledad cross case concludes, leaving memorial in place. Moran. Greg. September 8, 2016. San Diego Union-Tribune. 9 September 2016.
  109. Web site: Thomas More Law Center v. Barack Obama, et al.. Thomas More Law Center Filed Complaint.
  110. News: US judge upholds key part of Obama healthcare law . Reuters . Jeremy . Pelofsky . October 7, 2010.
  111. http://www.ca6.uscourts.gov/opinions.pdf/11a0168p-06.pdf
  112. Web site: Search - Supreme Court of the United States. supremecourt.gov.
  113. Web site: Judge dismisses First Amendment suit over Mexican pledge, flag. San Antonio Express News. 7 January 2015.
  114. Web site: McAllen student who sued over Mexican pledge and flag loses lawsuit. San Antonio Express News. 7 January 2015.
  115. Web site: The New Jersey priest who faced down the federal government — and won. NJ.com. 24 November 2013.
  116. Web site: Combat pilot who tried to halt lesbian kissing episode faces discharge. Washington Times.
  117. Web site: Charity Navigator Rating - Thomas More Law Center. Charity Navigator.
  118. Web site: Charity Navigator - Rating for Thomas More Law Center. https://web.archive.org/web/20140103113801/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=8334#.VcQWRhNViko. 2014-01-03.
  119. Web site: Charity Navigator - Rating for Thomas More Law Center. https://web.archive.org/web/20140412005914/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=8334#.VcQWjxNViko. 2014-04-12.
  120. Web site: Anti-Muslim. Southern Poverty Law Center. June 18, 2020.