Court Opinion

ID: 9609399
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 03:26:50.895691+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:50:50.038474
License: Public Domain

Williams, J.
(concurring) — I concur in the reasoning of the majority to the extent that I believe the courts must give some consideration to claimed religious freedoms grounded in the first amendment to the United States Constitution. I would not, however, impose the rigorous standards suggested by the majority in areas such as this which do not directly impact the right to freely practice one's religion.
I am convinced that decisions of the United States Supreme Court require us to give some deference to appellants' claims of religious freedom, but not to the extent that *16such deference undermines the legitimate purpose and overriding consideration of safety. The City's concern for the welfare and safety of the children is of utmost importance. Hypertechnical or unreasonable fire or safety code regulations, however, cannot be utilized to inhibit the appellants' church-operated school activities, or to discourage the practice of their religious beliefs. The imposition of reasonable fire and safety regulations for the protection of the children is but a minimal intrusion on the religious practices of appellants.
Since the record does not indicate the trial court judge properly considered the appellants' First Amendment claims below, I agree this case should be remanded for due consideration of such issues.