US Supreme Court blocks order directing Yeshiva University to recognize LGBTQ student club News
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US Supreme Court blocks order directing Yeshiva University to recognize LGBTQ student club

Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor of the US Supreme Court Friday passed an injunction on a New York trial court’s order directing Yeshiva University to recognise “Pride Alliance” as official student club. In a two-line order, Sotomayor held that the lower court ruling would be stayed “pending further order” from her or from the full court.

Last year, students of Yeshiva University filed a lawsuit contending that the University’s refusal to recognize an LGBTQ advocacy and support club violated New York City’s human rights law. The statute prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in public accommodations. The New York court observed that the institution is not a “religious corporation” under city law and is therefore not protected by the US Constitution. The court entered a permanent injunction ordering Yeshiva to “immediately” violate its Torah values and approve the LGBTQ club.

Yeshiva University filed an emergency application against the trial court’s order, arguing that the ruling infringed the “sincere religious values” and beliefs of the institution and violates the Yeshiva’s First Amendment rights.