The Napa Legal Podcast

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this guest episode, Napa Legal's Senior Counsel Frank DeVito is joined by Clare Anne Ath, co-founder and president of Vita et Terra, a Catholic apostolate launched this year to advocate for care for creation. Join them for a discussion of three recent developments in state abortion law. Together they examine what these laws mean for parental consent, for sidewalk counselors and pro-life advocates, and for the free speech and free exercise protections that faith-based organizations depend on.In this episode, we discuss:0:00 Introduction0:45 Clare's background and the launch of Vita et Terra2:12 Why care for creation has been ceded to the political left3:03 People as stewards, not problems4:26 Building Catholic formation materials on creation care5:09 Turning to the life issue6:14 Massachusetts signs abortion without limits into law6:33 "An Act Prioritizing Patient Access to Care" and the language of abortion policy7:29 What third-trimester abortion actually involves8:32 Why blue states are pushing further after Dobbs9:45 Ten states and Washington, DC with no restrictions at all10:31 Abortion pills in the mail and the Comstock Act12:29 A Catholic governor and the question of scandal13:03 Abolitionist and incrementalist approaches to ending abortion16:17 Why the United States has no reliable abortion reporting data17:58 Virginia's ballot amendment this November18:34 How "every individual" would erase parental consent20:18 A 17-year-old, a bus to New Jersey, and a call to her mother22:41 Chemical abortion risks and what parents are not told24:55 Abortion inside the Church25:50 New Jersey criminalizes "interference" with abortion26:36 The FACE Act and the prosecution of sidewalk counselors29:28 Buffer zones, the First Amendment, and the comparison to the UK33:29 Defunding Planned Parenthood35:10 ConclusionLearn more about Clare's work at https://www.vitaetterra.org/ and follow her on X at @clareanneathFor more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/th...

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits.In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Kyle Nazareth discuss a new DOJ report showing that FBI work on the rescinded Richmond memo continued after headquarters ordered it stopped, including surveillance of two Catholic priests; Johnson v. Fleming, a petition asking the Supreme Court to revisit Locke v. Davey after Virginia denied tuition grants to Liberty University students whose degrees were deemed too religious; and a Minnesota county whose online-only permitting process left Amish residents facing fines and arrest warrants.In this episode, we discuss:[1:45] The continuing saga of the FBI's 2023 Richmond memo, which tied traditionalist Catholics to violent extremism and pointed agents toward SPLC-designated "hate groups." [16:05] Johnson v. Fleming, now on a petition to the Supreme Court. Two Liberty University undergraduates pursuing degrees in pastoral leadership and in music and worship challenge Virginia's tuition assistance grant program, which excludes religious training and theological education, while a master of divinity student headed for military chaplaincy challenges the National Guard's tuition program, which excludes theological degrees outright. [33:45] A Minnesota county moved its zoning and permitting applications entirely online, leaving the Amish, who do not use the internet, with no way to apply, and then piled on civil fines, arrest warrants, and reportedly jail. For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastThe Napa Legal Podcast, September 9, 2026#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty #freeexercise

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits.In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Kyle Nazareth discuss an Idaho district court finding a narrow but fundamental Fourteenth Amendment right to abortion three years after Dobbs, Becket's new lawsuit against SUNY Broome Community College on behalf of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and a Philadelphia school "quiet room" that allegedly became a Muslim prayer space where non-Muslim students were disciplined for entering.In this episode, we discuss:[2:18] Seyb v. Members of the Idaho Board of Medicine, now before the Ninth Circuit. Frank traces how the court gets there, from nineteenth-century mens rea requirements and life-of-the-mother exceptions to the claim that these show a fundamental limit on legislative power, and argues the leap is the whole error: a legislature declining to criminalize something is not a court recognizing a right it cannot touch. [20:06] Becket sues SUNY Broome Community College after it denied recognition to an InterVarsity chapter over the chapter's requirement that student leaders share its Christian beliefs. Kyle works through the fourteen counts, including church autonomy and entanglement, the free exercise claims aimed at strict scrutiny, Tandon's most-favored-nation rule, and Fulton's holding that mere discretion defeats general applicability. [35:35] Heister v. School District of Philadelphia, where a district judge partially denied the school district's motion to dismiss on August 21. Frank uses the case to raise a cultural asymmetry while cautioning against judgment when the facts are this contested, and Kyle asks whether the flag is a religious symbol at all.For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastThe Napa Legal Podcast, September 1, 2026#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty #freeexercise

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits.In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Kyle Nazareth discuss Texas adding scripture to its K–12 public school reading list, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court blocking statues of St. Michael and St. Florian from a Quincy public safety building, and a divided Ninth Circuit reviving a Wiccan inmate's claim over confiscated ritual items.In this episode, we discuss:[1:09] Texas adds selections from scripture to its K–12 reading list alongside the classic literature, and Frank argues the law sits comfortably inside the Establishment Clause — that Mahmoud v. Taylor did not forbid assigning texts at all but turned on parental notice and the normative character of the material, that Abington v. Schempp expressly preserved the Bible's literary and historic value, and that the first public schools went considerably further than anything Texas is now attempting.[11:33] The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court unanimously upholds an injunction against two ten-foot bronzes commissioned for Quincy's public safety building, applying a Lemon-derived state framework years after Kennedy v. Bremerton discarded it, and reaching the strange conclusion that the statues fail largely because they are new — turning American Legion, our most monument-friendly precedent, against them.[26:05] A divided Ninth Circuit panel revives a Wiccan inmate's First Amendment and RLUIPA claims over a confiscated altar cloth and medallion the dissent notes cost twelve dollars each, which Frank uses to raise the question sitting underneath the case: whether courts can coherently protect the free exercise of religion without a workable definition of religion. Kyle answers from natural theology and the founders' laws of nature and of nature's God.Chapter markers0:00 Intro1:09 Texas adds scripture to the K–12 curriculum1:39 Jonah, Job, and the Sermon on the Mount2:10 The Ten Commandments law and Nathan v. Alamo Heights2:56 Does Mahmoud v. Taylor apply?3:26 Why the Mahmoud texts were different4:15 Abington School District v. Schempp4:59 The Bible's literary and historic qualities6:14 The first public schools were explicitly Protestant7:23 Neutral proceduralism vs. substantive goods8:20 Not all ideas are equal10:06 Kyle: what is education actually for?11:33 Massachusetts: FitzMorris v. City of Quincy12:31 Two bronzes, fifteen plaintiffs, three organizations13:49 The SJC rules on August 2014:18 Article 3 and Michael McConnell's brief15:17 A state court applies Lemon after Kennedy15:46 Colo v. Treasurer and Receiver General17:42 Federal protection is a floor, not a ceiling18:12 The free exercise ceiling and Masterpiece Cakeshop19:09 The absurdity of the Lemon test19:39 Becket's secular purpose argument21:07 American Legion and the Bladensburg Cross22:03 Too new to protect23:35 Can a state court use an overruled federal test?24:29 Picking and choosing religious symbols26:05 Goff v. Rode in the Ninth Circuit27:29 A 2–1 reversal of summary judgment29:08 The dissent and the $12 replacement30:38 Resolved on the wrong element32:12 What is a religion?32:49 Employment Division v. Smith34:07 Madison and "the duty we owe our Creator"35:25 Where Wicca would fall36:28 Kyle: natural theology and the unmoved mover37:56 Aquinas, Blackstone, and the American founding39:41 Natural law theorists and originalists agree40:39 "If anything's a religion, then nothing's a religion"For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastThe Napa Legal Podcast, August 25, 2026#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty #establishmentclause

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Kyle Nazareth discuss the Justice Department and an Orthodox synagogue suing Montgomery County, Maryland over its ban on carrying firearms near houses of worship, a new state-law challenge to Texas's Ten Commandments statute after the Establishment Clause arguments failed, and the Massachusetts law removing nearly every remaining limit on late-term abortion.In this episode, we discuss:[1:07] Montgomery County bars firearms in or within 100 yards of a place of public assembly, including every house of worship in the county, and now faces parallel suits from the Justice Department on Second Amendment grounds and from an Orthodox synagogue arguing the ordinance is neither neutral nor generally applicable and burdens a religious obligation to provide for its own security.[12:49] Three Houston-area mothers abandon the Establishment Clause theory that lost in the Fifth Circuit and challenge SB 10 under the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the state's new Parental Rights Amendment, raising the question of whether a poster a child passively sees can count as religious coercion at all.[26:08] Massachusetts eliminates its four-part framework governing abortion at or after 24 weeks, and Frank explains why the abortion pill rather than late-term surgical abortion is the real battlefield, while Kyle walks through Canon 915 and the excommunication question now being raised about a governor who calls herself Catholic.Chapter markers0:00 Intro1:07 Montgomery County's 100-yard gun ban2:44 Two lawsuits: DOJ and an Orthodox synagogue3:49 Bruen and the history and tradition test5:59 The colonies that required men to bring guns to church6:55 Not neutral, not generally applicable8:30 What is the compelling interest, exactly?10:58 Does disarming worshipers make churches safer?12:49 Texas: Roth v. State of Texas13:45 Judge Duncan's opinion in Nathan v. Alamo Heights14:17 Six hallmarks of a founding-era establishment15:04 Why Mahmoud v. Taylor does not apply16:12 Three mothers and a new theory of the case16:40 Texas RFRA and the Parental Rights Amendment17:50 Lee v. Weisman and psychological coercion19:22 The offended observer problem20:47 What Dignitatis Humanae actually says about coercion21:50 The TRO denial and the hearing set for today23:23 Is a poster a substantial burden?24:08 The parental rights argument26:08 Massachusetts signs H.5595 into law27:49 The bishops respond28:55 Why the moderate position on abortion is illogical30:17 The abortion pill is the real battlefield31:51 Abolitionist in theory, incrementalist in reality34:26 Fourteenth Amendment personhood and the risk of backlash36:42 Kansas, Ohio, and what the referenda showed37:41 Spiritual recourse and the 2002 Doctrinal Note38:38 Canon 915 and the excommunication question39:51 Why excommunication is pastoral, not politicalFor more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastThe Napa Legal Podcast, August 18, 2026 #freedomofreligion #religiousliberty #secondamendment

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits.In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Kyle Nazareth discuss Michigan's full-scale retreat from its ban on talk therapy for children with gender dysphoria, the Eleventh Circuit's en banc ruling upholding Florida's Protection of Children Act, and a second Oklahoma charter school case that may finish what St. Isidore started.In this episode, we discuss:[1:44] Michigan agrees to a stipulated permanent injunction ending enforcement of HB 4616 against licensed counselors engaged in talk therapy, closing out a suit brought by a Catholic therapist and several branches of Catholic Charities after the Supreme Court decided Chiles v. Salazar.[12:42] The Eleventh Circuit, sitting en banc, upholds Florida's Protection of Children Act, holding that obscenity sits outside the First Amendment entirely and that keeping minors out of obscene adult live performances is subject to rational basis review rather than strict scrutiny.[24:42] A Jewish school foundation seeks charter status in Oklahoma on the same argument St. Isidore made, and Frank explains why Carson v. Makin points in one direction while the strings attached to state funding remain the harder question.Chapter markers0:00 Intro1:44 Michigan's talk therapy ban2:30 The Catholic therapist who challenged it4:14 The stipulated permanent injunction5:16 Does a stipulation create precedent?6:13 Why you should never lay down and give up8:18 What if a state banned the other kind of therapy?11:09 Do we trust this ruling class with that power?12:42 The Eleventh Circuit upholds Florida's law13:59 A Drag Queen Christmas in Pensacola15:18 Hamburger Mary's facial challenge16:55 Obscenity is outside the First Amendment17:44 Rational basis, not strict scrutiny18:49 Free speech in America was never unlimited20:22 Philip Hamburger on natural rights and natural law22:26 Originalism gets you to the same place24:42 Oklahoma: St. Isidore round two26:24 Why Oklahoma's charter schools are private27:22 Carson v. Makin and generally available funding28:48 Why St. Isidore ended 4–431:20 The strings attached to state money32:25 St. Mary Catholic Parish v. RoyFor more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastThe Napa Legal Podcast, August 11, 2026#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty #freespeech

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Kyle Nazareth discuss the Catholic lawsuit against New York's new physician assisted death mandate, the Ninth Circuit's unanimous ruling for a Kaiser Permanente employee fired over a religious vaccine exemption, and the first known workplace religious accommodation excusing an employee from using AI.In this episode, we discuss:[1:20] Becket sues New York over the Medical Aid in Dying Act on behalf of four orders of religious sisters and the Diocese of Rockville Centre, challenging a law that requires objecting providers to counsel patients on assisted suicide, screen them for eligibility, and refer them out.[18:11] The Ninth Circuit unanimously revives Mimi Weiss's Title VII claims against Kaiser, holding that notice of a religious conflict and sincerity of belief are separate questions, and that employers do not get to decide the second one.[30:24] A Unitarian Universalist software engineer wins a religious exemption from her employer's AI mandate, and Kyle explains why Magnifica Humanitas does not say what the coverage claims it says.Chapter markers0:00 Intro1:20 New York's assisted suicide mandate3:58 Doctors must list the wrong cause of death5:06 Carmelite Sisters v. James7:25 Humanism without Christianity11:12 The federal law arguments13:04 Church autonomy and free exercise16:07 The July 30 consent order16:49 The lesson from Canada18:11 Weiss v. The Permanente Medical Group20:30 Notice or sincerity?22:44 The Ninth Circuit rules for Weiss26:42 How to write an exemption letter30:24 A religious exemption from AI32:02 What the AI encyclical actually saysFor more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastThe Napa Legal Podcast, August 4, 2026 #freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this special episode, Napa Legal's Senior Counsel Frank DeVito is joined by John Bursch, Senior Counsel and Vice President of Appellate Advocacy at Alliance Defending Freedom, former Solicitor General of Michigan, and a Napa Legal Good Counselor Project Fellow. John returns as the podcast's first repeat guest for a discussion of two fights that will shape what churches and religious nonprofits are free to say and free to do.First, the litigation over the Johnson Amendment. John explains what pastors and priests can already say from the pulpit, why the government's theory rests on the Supreme Court's decision in Catholic Charities Bureau, and what happens next.Second, Grand v. City of University Heights, which the Supreme Court agreed to hear on June 30. John explains the procedural question the justices will decide in December and why it matters for every American whose religious exercise runs into a zoning code.In this episode, we discuss:0:00 Introduction0:53 John Bursch's background and his work at Alliance Defending Freedom1:55 What is the Johnson Amendment and why it matters2:56 The 1950s origins of the Johnson Amendment3:26 Is 501(c)(3) status a government benefit or a recognition?4:27 Why no one has successfully challenged the Johnson Amendment until now5:27 Obergefell, Verrilli, and the coming fight over tax exemption6:30 The NRB case: plaintiffs, posture, and a change in administrations7:30 The stipulated judgment and the district court's rejection9:31 What the settlement signals to churches right now10:01 What a priest can actually say from the pulpit11:32 Two extremes: churches that go all in and churches that self-censor12:34 The government's theory: unequal burdens on different denominations13:34 The Catholic Charities Bureau problem14:36 Applying Catholic Charities to the next generation of cases15:09 The Anti-Injunction Act and the court's sua sponte dismissal16:41 Why this is a speech case, not a tax case17:42 Is the Anti-Injunction Act jurisdictional or waivable?18:44 What's teed up for the Fifth Circuit and when to expect a decision20:16 Why "boring" procedural doctrine decides religious liberty cases21:16 Grand v. City of University Heights: a permit to pray at home22:46 The cease-and-desist and the call with the mayor23:16 The zoning hearing and the trap inside the permit24:47 A pro se cert petition that got the Supreme Court's attention27:20 Surveillance, spying neighbors, and a city that stopped picking up his trash28:21 Williamson County, exhaustion, and Section 198329:53 What's next in the case|30:23 ConclusionFor more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcast

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits.In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Kyle Nazareth discuss Connecticut banning a Nativity display in the capitol building, the draft of the report released by the White House Religious Liberty Commission, and the continued legal battles of the Little Sisters of the Poor against the contraceptive mandate. In this episode, we discuss:[1:27] After Connecticut's Joint Committee on Legislative Management denied the Family Institute of Connecticut permission to place a small Nativity in the state Capitol under a policy that allows private displays unless they are "religious in nature," First Liberty Institute and the law firm Jones Day sent a demand letter arguing the exclusion is viewpoint discrimination under the Free Speech Clause and that the Establishment Clause — with Lemon v. Kurtzman's endorsement test abrogated by Kennedy v. Bremerton — plainly permits the display.[13:16] The White House Religious Liberty Commission, created by President Trump's executive order and built on seven hearings, released a 224-page draft report surveying the state of religious freedom in America — from religion's role as an indispensable support for a free society to the history of the First Amendment from colonial establishments through the twentieth-century incorporation of the Establishment Clause against the states — and Kyle unpacks its twelve recommendations, including repealing the Johnson Amendment, restoring benefits for service members discharged over religious objections to the COVID-19 vaccine, and directing the DOJ to clarify the proper understanding of the Establishment Clause.[29:53] The Little Sisters of the Poor are back before the Third Circuit — represented by Becket's Mark Rienzi and the firm Clement & Murphy, with oral argument heard July 7 — challenging a district court ruling that found the religious exemption to the Affordable Care Act's contraceptive mandate arbitrary and capricious, and arguing that even if that were so, striking the exemption would only leave the mandate itself violating RFRA by substantially burdening the Sisters' religious exercise, more than a decade and three Supreme Court victories into Pennsylvania and New Jersey's effort to strip away their protection.For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastThe Napa Legal Podcast, July 21, 2026 #freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits.In this guest episode, Napa Legal's Senior Counsel Frank DeVito is joined by Corrinne Vidales, Legal Counsel at the Ohio Christian Education Network and an alumna of Napa Legal's Good Counselor Project. Join them for a discussion of scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) and the new federal Education Freedom Tax Credit created by the One Big Beautiful Bill. With Treasury rules expected this fall, this program allows taxpayers to redirect up to $1,700 of their federal taxes to scholarship organizations, with major implications for Christian schools, faith-based nonprofits, and the families they serve.In this episode, we discuss:0:00 Introduction1:43 Corrinne's background and her work at the Ohio Christian Education Network3:37 What is a scholarship granting organization?4:51 How Ohio's dollar-for-dollar SGO tax credit works7:09 How scholarship money flows from donors to families9:37 Which states currently have SGO programs10:43 The federal Education Freedom Tax Credit and how it will work11:27 State opt-in: what happens if a governor refuses?14:05 Who's eligible for federal scholarships?15:19 How existing SGOs can qualify for the federal program16:21 Credit amounts, rollover, and stacking state and federal donations20:03 The greatest evangelism opportunity of our lifetime? What this means for the future of Christian education21:23 Launching new schools and taking the SGO model national23:53 ConclusionNapa Legal's introductory resource on SGOs, written by Corrinne, is available at https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcast

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Kyle Nazareth discuss an Eighth Circuit ruling reviving two Missouri counselors' challenge to local counseling censorship ordinances after the Supreme Court's decision in Chiles v. Salazar, a First Circuit ruling requiring Christian schools in Maine's school choice program to comply with the state's gender identity mandates in hiring and admissions, and the return of federal Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood after the One Big Beautiful Bill's one-year defund expired.In this episode, we discuss:[2:57] After the Supreme Court held in Chiles v. Salazar that conversations in counseling sessions are protected speech, the Eighth Circuit ordered a district court to reconsider claims brought by counselors Wyatt Bury and Pamela Eisenreich, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, challenging Kansas City and Jackson County ordinances that bar counselors from helping clients become comfortable with their biological sex.[12:40] The First Circuit ruled that Bangor Christian Schools, affiliated with Crosspoint Church and represented by First Liberty, may apply its religious beliefs when hiring teachers, but not where sexual orientation or gender identity is involved, effectively forcing the school to choose between its faith and participation in Maine's school choice program four years after Carson v. Makin.[30:10] Planned Parenthood regains Medicaid reimbursements for non-abortion services after the One Big Beautiful Bill's one-year funding pause expired, as pro-life advocates continue pushing for permanent defunding of abortion providers.For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastThe Napa Legal Podcast, July 14, 2026#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Alexa Kawlewski discuss:1:30: A Catholic Charities serving the Lansing, Michigan area, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, files suit after the state abruptly revoked its participation in womens' services funding programs, allegedly out of hostility toward its beliefs on abortion and contraception.15:05: A Montgomery County substitute teacher was denied a religious accommodation and removed from the classroom for refusing to use false pronouns and conceal students' social transitions from their parents. Her cert petition raises key questions under the Free Exercise and Free Speech Clauses, including a circuit split created by the Fourth Circuit.27:00: The Supreme Court holds that Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause allow states to maintain girls' sports for biological girls, with notable concurrences from Justice Thomas and Justice Gorsuch worth reading.Registration is still open for Napa Legal's annual Nonprofit Summit on July 22 in Napa, California, a one-day formation event for nonprofit leaders, board members, and professionals serving faith-based organizations. Learn more and register at: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/nonprofit-summitFor more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastThe Napa Legal Podcast, July 8, 2026#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Alexa Kawlewski discuss an effort by a California school district to thwart the US Supreme Court by teaching LGBT materials without parental consent, a recent Supreme Court ruling on RLUIPA regarding prisoners’ rights to sue, and a win in the 9th Circuit by former employees of Alaska Airlines who were terminated for voicing their views on the Equality Act. In this episode, we discuss:1:45 California school district defies a recent Supreme Court ruling requiring schools to notify parents when material that contradicts their faith is taught in the classroom. 15:54 Prison guards will not be held liable in their individual capacity for shaving an inmate’s head despite his religious beliefs. 27:52 Airline flight attendants in a religious discrimination case win appeal at the 9th Circuit. For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastThe Napa Legal Podcast, June 30, 2026#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Alexa Kawlewski discuss a Michigan township refusing to let a newly acquired church operate, a New Jersey Christian addiction recovery ministry fighting a series of administrative and zoning battles, and an eminent domain dispute between the federal government and the Diocese of Las Cruces, New Mexico. In this episode, we discuss:1:48 Township of Windsor, Michigan, refuses to allow a church to host religious services and related activities at a newly acquired church building. 15:20 A New Jersey-based addiction and recovery ministry faces multiple roadblocks from local township authorities, resulting in hefty fines. 29:48 Judge allows federal government to deposit money to acquire a large parcel of land from the New Mexico Diocese of Las Cruces via eminent domain. For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastThe Napa Legal Podcast, June 25, 2026#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Alexa Kawlewski discuss an appeal of a Colorado law that censors and compels speech regarding so-called gender identity, a lawsuit in Michigan concerning yet another attempt to smuggle abortion into protection against sex-based discrimination, and a new lawsuit in Washington state concerning an alleged sexual assault as a result of a boy playing girls sports. In this episode, we discuss:1:59 Apparel company and Christian bookstore in Colorado file appeal in the 10th Circuit to stop compelled speech. 10:58 Two Michigan prolife groups seek an order blocking a law that would require them to hire and retain employees opposed to the mission of the prolife groups. 19:17 Washington state’s policies led to a high school girl allegedly being sexually assaulted during a wrestling match with a boy who identifies as female. For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastThe Napa Legal Podcast, June 17, 2026#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Alexa Kawlewski discuss a religious freedom issue regarding employment discrimination law in Illinois, a California childcare licensing law that interferes with the religious rights of parents, and a lawsuit against the USDA alleging a (spurious) Establishment Clause violation. In this episode, we discuss:2:00 The diocese of Springfield, Illinois and a pro-life center appeal problematic employment law to the 7th Circuit.12:28 California childcare licensing requirements undermine the religious rights of parents. 29:00 U.S. Department of Agriculture sued over an Easter message from Secretary Brooke Rollins. For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastThe Napa Legal Podcast, June 9, 2026#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Alexa Kawlewski discuss an 8th Circuit case involving teachers disciplined and fired for refusing the COVID vaccine, an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court from an Orthodox Jew whose municipality made him apply for a special use permit to have people come to his house to pray, and a new Tennessee law protecting single-sex spaces for girls and women. In this episode, we discuss:1:11 Amicus curiae brief filed with the 8th Circuit in support of teachers punished for seeking religious exemption to COVID vaccine.14:11 Appeal made to U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of Orthodox Jew forced to obtain permit to pray in his home.27:06 Tennessee Governor signs bill protecting women and girls from abuse by biological males in female-only spaces.For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastThe Napa Legal Podcast, June 2, 2026#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this guest episode, Napa Legal's Senior Counsel Frank DeVito is joined by John Ketcham, Senior Fellow and Director of Cities at the Manhattan Institute. Join them for a discussion of Missionaries of St. John the Baptist v. Frederic, a case pending cert before the U.S. Supreme Court. This case can have major implications in determining whether the complaints of neighbors can overrule the rights of religious organizations to use their land for religious purposes. In this episode, we discuss: 1:44 John's background growing up Catholic in New York City and working at the Manhattan Institute 5:56 Manhattan Institute Amicus Briefs 7:20 Missionaries of St. John the Baptist v. Frederic Amicus Brief with Napa Legal 10:08 Background of the case 14:45 RLUIPA 21:21 What would best case scenario look like? 22:40 What would worst case scenario look like? 24:00 Why should we generally be in favor of development? 28:29 Other projects by John 34:10 Conclusion For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/ For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/th... The Napa Legal Podcast, May 29, 2026 #freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Alexa Kawlewski discuss an Oregon therapist being fined for answering a client’s question about his beliefs, a Fifth Circuit case challenging an abortion accommodation requirement created by the EEOC, and a land-use lawsuit in the Third Circuit concerning a Catholic Church being denied the approvals to build a shrine. In this episode, we discuss:1:50 Counselor in Oregon Fined for Refusing to Affirm Same-Sex Relationships During Counseling Session. 10:50 Fifth Circuit To Hear Appeal Challenging Federal Abortion Accommodation Regulation. 25:17 Pennsylvania Church Appeals to Third Circuit Over Zoning Decision That Disfavors Religion. For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastThe Napa Legal Podcast, May 27, 2026#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement explain an abortion-related lawsuit at the US Supreme Court and a parental rights lawsuit against a public school district.In this episode, we discuss:2:11 The US Supreme Court's decision to permit the FDA to drop requirements for in-person doctors' visits before a woman can take an abortion pill.15:59 A lawsuit from several families in Colorado against their public school district that made their children to share rooms and beds with members of the opposite sex during field trips. For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgFor more of the Napa Legal podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTopics: Freedom of religion, religious liberty, abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, free exercise, establishment clause, legal updates, Supreme Court, legal podcast, parental rights, substantive due process, Mahmoud, Mirabelli.The Napa Legal Podcast, May 19, 2026.#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

In this episode of the Napa Legal Podcast, Frank DeVito is joined by Nathan Loyd, staff counsel at the Thomas More Society and a former active-duty member of the Air Force, to discuss a recent settlement with the US Coast Guard that will protect the religious freedom of servicemembers across the country.During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Coast Guard refused to provide religious exemptions from vaccine mandates. Elite servicemembers were denied promotion and cut out of key responsibilities for their religious objections to the mandate. A Class of officers and enlisted coast guardsmen, with the help of attorneys from the Thomas More Society, recently settled a major lawsuit with the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard agreed to follow federal regulations that protect religious liberty in the future.Key Moments:0:50 Introduction1:43 Nathan's work at the Thomas More Society4:07 The basics of the Covid-19 Vaccine mandates in the Coast Guard5:20 This case - Jackson v. Mullin and the servicemembers who brought it.10:39 Relevant research on the Covid-19 vaccines12:07 The legal standard for religious exemptions, particularly in the military. 15:56 Other similar cases and applying the legal standards in other circumstances. 16:55 The outcome of this case - a favorable settlement for the servicemembers.22:18 Voluntary cessation in civil litigation28:13 Servicemembers' responses to this settlement32:25 Why this case is being settled today rather than years ago 37:43 Other parts of Nathan's work - sidewalk counselling and free speech. For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTo learn more about Napa Legal and our work, visit us at our website:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgThe Napa Legal Podcast, May 14, 2026

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement explain an abortion-related lawsuit at the US Supreme Court, a Church Autonomy claim from a Catholic Church in Indianapolis, and New Mexico's law that cut back data reporting on abortions.In this episode, we discuss:1:49 A case before the US Supreme Court that will impact pro-life state's attempts to prevent abortion. The FDA dropped requirements for in-person doctor's visits before an abortion pill can be given. That decision was challenged in a lawsuit currently before SCOTUS.13:17 A Catholic parish decided to demolish a closed Church in order to follow the bishop's understanding of canon law. However, the city of Indianapolis has blocked their decision. In a Church Autonomy and First Amendment dispute, the parish is seeking to have the freedom to decide how to best fulfil their religious obligations.23:14 New Mexico recently repealed requirements to report the number of abortions performed. While abortion advocates claim the practice is healthcare, it is often regulated with much less oversight than genuine medical practices.For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgFor more of the Napa Legal podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTopics: Freedom of religion, religious liberty, abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, free exercise, establishment clause, legal updates, Supreme Court, legal podcast.The Napa Legal Podcast, May 12, 2026.#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

Do tax laws violate the constitutional rights of religious organizations?In this episode of the Napa Legal Podcast, Frank DeVito is joined by Tyler Martinez, the Director of Litigation at the National Taxpayers Union Foundation (NTUF), to discuss active lawsuits implicating the Johnson Amendment, and other related tax law issues that impact nonprofit organizations. Key Moments:0:40 Introduction1:50 What is the Johnson Amendment, and how does it impact churches and religious organizations?3:40 Are churches recognized as nonprofits, or is that a status that the government bestows upon them?5:56 Are there Constitutional issues with the Johnson Amendment? Tyler explains how the law implicates First Amendment rights.7:15 The basics of a key case National Religious Broadcasters v. Commissioner.9:54 The latest developments in the case16:53 A relevant Supreme Court case, National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius, that involved the Affordable Care Act.19:51 What happens next in this currently active lawsuit challenging the Johnson Amendment?25:33 The growing problem of legislatures hiding problematic laws in the tax code. For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTo learn more about Napa Legal and our work, visit us at our website:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgThe Napa Legal Podcast, May 7, 2026

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement explain the US Supreme Court's decisions on a donor privacy case and several parental rights cases. Additionally, we explain a recent ruling that could limit mailing the abortion pill, as well as a tax credit for donations for pregnancy resource centers.In this episode, we discuss:1:49 The US Supreme Court recently decided First Choice v. Platkin. The Court held that New Jersey's AG's attempt to force a pro-life pregnancy resource center to hand over confidential donor information violated their Constitutional rights.14:12 The US Supreme Court recently declined two major parental rights cases. In March, the Court ruled that parental exclusion policies, which instruct public school staff to lie to parents while affirming a student's new "gender identity" violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments. These cases offered the Court an opportunity to further defend parental rights and expand upon its decision in Mirabelli.21:15 Citing Dobbs v. Jackson, the Fifth Circuit stayed a regulation that removed the requirement in-person doctor's visits before a woman can obtain the abortion pill. The regulation is likely headed to the US Supreme Court.31:04 South Carolina recently unanimously passed a new tax credit for donations to pregnancy resource centers and centers for victims of human trafficking. Several other states have similar such laws.For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgFor more of the Napa Legal podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTopics: Religious liberty, religious freedom, Constitutional rights, donor privacy, law and policy, legal updates, abortion pill, pro-life laws, abortion law, US legal system.The Napa Legal Podcast, May 5, 2026.#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement explain a new religious liberty case at SCOTUS, a lawsuit centered on the 10 Commandments, and a new law in Tennessee that will protect children from harmful and scarring operations.In this episode, we discuss:1:31 The US Supreme Court recently agreed to hear the next major religious liberty case - St. Mary's v. Roy. The state of Colorado excluded the Catholic school from its universal preschool program because of its religious beliefs about gender and the human person. The Court will decide whether government entities can evade protections for religious organizations and the First Amendment through facial neutrality regardless of substantive discrimination.18:46 The Fifth Circuit recently upheld Texas' law that requires the 10 Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom. The opinion explains that a historical understanding of religious establishment requires government coercion and control of belief, which is not present in this case. 31:11 Tennessee recently enacted law that allow patients to sue doctors that perform “transgender surgeries” on minors. The law authorizes individuals older than 18 to sue doctors that performed certain procedures on them while they were minors, which include medically unnecessary mastectomies and prescribing puberty blockers.For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgFor more of the Napa Legal podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTopics: Religious freedom, religious liberty, First Amendment, Carson, Trinity Lutheran, Espinoza, Fulton, Smith, religious discrimination, freedom of religion, Establishment Clause, Founding of America, caselaw, legal updates, legal podcast.The Napa Legal Podcast, April 28, 2026.#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement explain the free speech rights of church leaders, censorship of Christian beliefs, and victory for a pro-life advocate.In this episode, we discuss:1:47 A federal court recently dismissed an attempt to protect the ability of churches to make statements about political candidates. The Johnson Amendment bans certain nonprofit organizations from endorsing candidates for office. While the current administration has limited its enforcement, it remains on the books. A lawsuit seeking to declare it unconstitutional was dismissed and is expected to be appealed.9:59 A social worker in Oregon was fired after he put up several books in his office that affirmed the reality of God-given sex. He filed a lawsuit based on his rights to Free Speech and Free Exercise. We discuss the purpose of free speech in America, especially in light of recent developments on both sides of the political aisle.25:54 A pro-life advocate was awarded over $1 million from the DOJ after a wrongful arrest by the Biden administration under the FACE Act. Mark Houck was arrested at gunpoint after protecting his 12-year-old son from a 72-year-old abortion escort while praying outside of an abortion clinic. He was acquitted of the charges in 2023; following the acquittal, Houck filed suit against the DOJ for malicious and retaliatory prosecution. He recently settled for one million dollars.For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgFor more of the Napa Legal podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTopics: Free Speech, Free Exercise of Religion, Religious Freedom, Religious Liberty, First Amendment, Fourteenth Amendment, Planned Parenthood, Transgenderism.The Napa Legal Podcast, April 21, 2026.#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

Can the U.S. Supreme Court expand and strengthen parental rights under the Constitution?In this episode of the Napa Legal Podcast, Frank DeVito is joined by John Bursch, the Senior Counsel and Vice President of Appellate Advocacy at the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), to discuss the future of parental rights and the Supreme Court. They examine major pending SCOTUS cases and discuss how the Court could go beyond existing precedent to more clearly protect parents’ constitutional right to direct the upbringing of their children.Key Moments:0:47 Introduction3:01 Are parental rights written in the Constitution? 5:48 The current state of parental rights caselaw at the U.S. Supreme Court - Mahmoud and Mirabelli9:38 Do public schools still secretly "socially transition" kids against parents' wishes with "parental exclusion policies"? Did Mirabelli fix the issue?11:39 What is the emergency docket, and how is it relevant to parental rights and these cases? Noting Justice Kagan's dissent in Mirabelli.14:54 Substantive Due Process and the history and tradition of abortion and parental rights. Noting Roe v. Wade.16:54 A case currently pending before the Supreme Court that could strike at the merits of parental rights - Foote v. Ludlow. In this case, a public school secretly treated children like they were members of the opposite sex against the direct and explicit wishes of the children's parents. School officials tried to convince the children that their parents were not on their side or acting in their best interest.20:55 The state of affirms of public morals, as well as the urgent need for legal protection of children from activist government overreach26:48 Constitutional theories for unenumerated parental rights. 30:35 Changing the culture and winning public support back to morality.35:22 Free speech and compelled pronoun usage. 36:57 How concerned and passionate citizens can help.John Bursch is Senior Counsel and Director of Appellate Advocacy at the Alliance Defending Freedom. He has argued over a dozen US Supreme Court cases. He previously served as the solicitor general of Michigan from 2011 to 2013.For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTo learn more about Napa Legal and our work, visit us at our website:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgThe Napa Legal Podcast, April 14, 2026

In this episode of the Napa Legal Podcast, Frank DeVito is joined by Jeffrey Trissell, a California attorney that worked on Mirabelli v. Bonta, a landmark parental rights case recently decided by the US Supreme Court. They discuss the case itself, as well as Jeffrey's advocacy for Churches that sought to serve their members during COVID but faced an uphill legal battle.Key Moments:0:55 Introduction1:46 The basics of Mirabelli v. Bonta - A case recently decided by the US Supreme Court that held that California's "parental exclusion policy" likely violates the Constitution. The policy instructed staff to treat children like they are members of the opposite sex and lie to parents that disagreed.7:06 The experience of the teachers and families that brought the lawsuit8:31 The path to the Supreme Court12:10 The impact of the Supreme Court's decision17:15 The emergency docket, how the judiciary operates, and Justice Kagan's dissent19:58 Jeffrey's work representing churches that faced religious discrimination in the COVID era23:35 South Bay United Pentecostal Church v. Newsom at the Supreme Court24:50 Is today's legal landscape for religious freedom different from 2020?Jeffrey M. Trissell is an accomplished civil litigator with numerous wins in both state and federal court. In addition to his work in private practice, he serves as special counsel to the Thomas More Society. The majority of his practice is devoted to constitutional rights, which includes First Amendment litigation. He recently published his book "Unlocking the Churches - the legal victory against California's pandemic-era religious discrimination."For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTo learn more about Napa Legal and our work, visit us at our website:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgThe Napa Legal Podcast, April 10, 2026

What is the telos and purpose of freedom?Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement explain the Supreme Court's ruling in Chiles v. Salazar regarding Colorado's ban on traditionally Christian counselling, pro-life laws in Kansas and New Hampshire, and the conviction of Finland citizen Päivi Räsänen’s for "hate speech" based on her Christian beliefs.In this episode, we discuss:1:30 The Supreme Court's ruling in Chiles v. Salazar. Colorado banned all therapy that sought to help a minor embrace his or her God-given sex. The Court recently ruled that the ban violates the Free Speech Clause and constitutes illegal discrimination. We explain the merits and potential sources of concern in the majority opinion.19:11 The Kansas Legislature recently passed a law that protect pro-life pregnancy resource centers from government discrimination, overturning the Governor Laura Kelly's veto. A similar bill is advancing in New Hampshire25:47 Päivi Räsänen, a Finnish politician, was recently convicted of hate speech and crimes against humanity for a pamphlet she made over 20 years ago titled "Male and Female He Created Them – Homosexual Relationships Challenge the Christian Concept of Humanity." She criticized homosexual relationships as sinful.For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgFor more of the Napa Legal podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTopics: First Amendment, freedom of religion, religious liberty, legal news, legal podcast, SCOTUS.The Napa Legal Podcast, April 8, 2026.#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement explain another lawsuit against the 10 Commandments in public schools, whether religious organizations can hire according to their faith, and a Jewish charter school in Oklahoma.In this episode, we discuss:1:27 A district judge recently ruled against Arkansas' law that required the posting of the 10 Commandments in every public school classroom. The ruling rejects the logic of the Fifth Circuit's decision in a similar case. We explain how the Free Exercise and Establishment Clause work in this case and how the district judge's opinion ignores the history of religion in public schools13:29 The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago is a Christian college that provides students with a degree in education. As a graduation requirement, students must gain experience teaching in both public and private schools. However, Chicago Public Schools denied those students access into its student-teacher program because Moody hires only other Christians. Recently the parties settled in a manor favorable to Moody.23:26 A Jewish charter school is filing a lawsuit over its denial of charter school status in Oklahoma. The case is poised as a re-do of St. Isidore of Seville v. Drummond. The case may reach the Supreme Court, who could rule on whether religious charter schools violate the Establishment Clause.For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgFor more of the Napa Legal podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTopics: First Amendment, freedom of religion, religious liberty, legal news, legal podcast, SCOTUS.The Napa Legal Podcast, March 31, 2026.#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

Can public schools shut down pro-life students?In this episode of the Napa Legal Podcast, Joseph Clement is joined by Mathew Hoffmann, legal counsel at the Alliance Defending Freedom. They discuss free speech law in public schools and related case that is currently pending before the US Supreme Court. In E.D. v. Noblesville School District, a student pro-life organization was shut down after posting flyers advertising its first event. The students argue that the school's censorship violates their First Amendment right to Free Speech.Key Moments:0:41 Introduction2:45 The facts in this case: pro-life student was censored by public school administrators8:45 Current laws on free speech in public schools - Hazelwood and Tinker15:40 How courts apply school laws - are students protected or at risk of losing their rights?17:17 Lemon and the reasonable observer test21:07 Free Speech vs. Free Exercise claims in public schools24:45 What could this case impact? What does a win look like?26:55 The balance of protecting curriculum and protecting free speech30:07 School speech in the lower courts32:07 Are there laws that can protect student speech? Are there legislative solutions?37:21 Should everyone care about free speech in public schools?Mathew Hoffmann serves as legal counsel on the Appellate Advocacy Team at Alliance Defending Freedom, where he represents ADF clients before state and federal appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Previously, he served in ADF’s Center for Free Speech and Center for Academic Freedom. He has represented clients in free expression cases across the country and has argued before the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Seventh and Ninth Circuits and the Alabama Supreme Court. For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTo learn more about Napa Legal and our work, visit us at our website:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgThe Napa Legal Podcast, March 27, 2026

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement explain a ruling that forces a spa to allow men into women's saunas and other private spaces, a Supreme Court ruling in favor of a Christian street preacher, and a restricting homeschool law in Connecticut.In this episode, we discuss:1:11 A ruling from the Ninth Circuit forcing a traditional Korean spa to allow men into women's private spaces. The spa requires nudity for many of its services and, in order to follow the owners' Christian beliefs and protect its patrons, keeps separate facilities for men and women. The Court rejected the spa's free speech, free exercise, and freedom of association claims.17:31 The Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of Gabriel Olivier, a Christian street preacher who wants to challenge a law that prevented him from preaching in a public space. The Court allowed his lawsuit to proceed, overturning the lower courts' dismissals.28:30 Connecticut is attempting to pass the most restrictive homeschool law in the country. Under the pending law, any parents who remove their children from public school will be immediately subject to a check from the state government.For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgFor more of the Napa Legal podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTopics: Religious freedom, what is religion, First Amendment, Miller, free speech, abortion.The Napa Legal Podcast, March 25, 2026.#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

What is abortion pill reversal, and why is California's government trying to silence pro-life organizations that spread awareness of it?In this episode of the Napa Legal Podcast, Frank DeVito is joined by Danielle White, legal counsel at Heartbeat International. They discuss abortion pill reversal, which can save the life of an unborn child before the abortion pill ends his or her life.Key Moments:- 0:23 Introduction- 1:09 Danielle's Background and work at Heartbeat International - 6:30 What is abortion pill reversal and how does it work?- 9:12 What is the legal fight over abortion pill reversal? Why is California trying to silence pregnancy resource centers that spread awareness?- 16:07 The coercive nature of abortion- 16:59 California v. Heartbeat International - facts and analysis- 21:58 Stories of unborn children saved by abortion pill reversal- 23:00 Legal battles for abortion pill reversal across the country- 26:55 How to help women while abortion pills grow in useFor more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTo learn more about Napa Legal and our work, visit us at our website:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgThe Napa Legal Podcast, March 20, 2026

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement explain why abortion cannot be justly deemed a religious right, a lawsuit challenging Texas' ban on sexually oriented performances in public spaces in the presence of minors, and Wyoming's new Heartbeat Bill.In this episode, we discuss:0:57 Is abortion access a religious right? An Indiana judge recently ruled that the states Religious Freedom Restoration Act invalidates the state's ban on abortion. 16:34 Can Texas prevent sexually explicit "drag shows" from being performed in public spaces in front of minors? The Fifth Circuit recently upheld the state's ban and remanded a lawsuit challenging the law.25:35 Will Wyoming's new Heartbeat Bill be upheld? The state recently banned nearly all abortions after an unborn child's heartbeat can be detected. Pro-life advocates worry that the state's courts will again overrule this effort to save lives.For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgFor more of the Napa Legal podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTopics: Religious freedom, what is religion, First Amendment, Miller, free speech, abortion.The Napa Legal Podcast, March 18, 2026.#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

How does school choice help children and foster a more efficient education system?In this episode of the Napa Legal Podcast, Joseph Clement is joined by Allan Parker (from the Justice Foundation) to Texas' new school choice program and its implications for the rest of the country. They'll address common criticisms of school choice, how the Texas and United States' Constitutions protect educational freedom, and more!Allan is the President of the Justice Foundation and a former professor of law at St. Mary's University where he taught education law and civil procedure. In 2000, he was designated a “Hero For Children” by the Texas Board of Education. He is the author of numerous works on school choice and a frequent lecturer on education topics.Allan received his J.D. degree with high honors from the University of Texas School of Law in 1979. He was an Associate Editor of the Texas Law Review, a Chancellor, Order of the Coif, and Order of Barristers for his outstanding advocacy skills. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. in Economics in 1974.For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTo learn more about Napa Legal and our work, visit us at our website:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgThe Napa Legal Podcast, March 13, 2026

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement explain what a proper legal definition of "religion" needs to do, parental rights at the Supreme Court, and why statements of faith are so important for religious employersIn this episode, we discuss:1:30 McCutchan v. Nicholson - A case brought by a secular humanist association that is seeking to have its members officiate weddings in Texas. The case, which is currently at the Fifth Circuit, offers the courts an opportunity to clarify what groups are legally eligible for First Amendment protections. Frank and Joseph also discuss the history of religion at the American Founding.11:47 Mirabelli v. Bonta - The US Supreme Court recently ruled that California's parental exclusion policy likely violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments. The policy requires public school staff to "socially transition" young children and lie to parents who object. They also discuss substantive due process and the views of the sitting Justices.26:11 Kuilema v. Calvin University - A professor at Calvin University was fired after officiating a same-sex transgender "wedding." He sued the University, which claims that its religious nature protects it in this lawsuit, despite the school's doctrinal differences with the denomination that started it. This case is a great example of why religious organizations need to be clear about the content of their beliefs. This case is currently active at the Michigan Supreme Court.For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgFor more of the Napa Legal podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastFor Frank and Rachel Morrison's recent episode on the Church Autonomy Doctrine, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/podcast-episodes/the-first-amendment-vs-government-overreach-the-church-autonomy-doctrine-with-rachel-morrisonTopics: Religious freedom, US Supreme Court, Free Exercise, American History, First Amendment, Church Autonomy, Ministerial Exception.The Napa Legal Podcast, March 10, 2026.#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

Does the government have legal authority to control and investigate Churches and religious organizations?In this episode of the Napa Legal Podcast, Frank DeVito is joined by Rachel Morrison (from the Ethics and Public Policy Center) to explain how the First Amendment and the Church Autonomy Doctrine protect religious organizations from government interference. They discuss a recent amicus brief submitted to the US Supreme Court on Rachel's behalf in United States Conference of Catholic Bishops v. O’Connell. The brief urges the Court to hear a case that will determine if religious organizations can immediately appeal denials of church autonomy doctrine defenses.Rachel was an attorney for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and brings a unique perspective on the Commission's workings. She explains how EEOC investigations can impose serious costs on and distract churches from their missions.Rachel is currently a Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC), where she directs EPPC’s Administrative State Accountability Project. An attorney, her legal and policy work focuses on religious liberty, health care rights of conscience, the right to life, nondiscrimination, and civil rights.Key Moments:0:45 Introduction2:21 What is the Church Autonomy Doctrine and the Ministerial Exception?6:47 How Does it Function: Jurisdictional Bar vs. Affirmative Defense and 17:55 How Unjust Government Investigations Burden Religious Organizations27:54 USCCB v. O’Connell - The Peter's Pence Case🡢 What is the dispute?🡢 Why does it matter?🡢 How could it impact religious organizations across the country?36:24 The Administrative State Accountability Project and Upholding Religious LibertyFor more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTo learn more about Napa Legal and our work, visit us at our website:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgThe Napa Legal Podcast, March 6, 2026

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement explain if the Establishment Clause is violated by posting the 10 Commandments in public schools, Washington's laws that give the state power over parents who refuse to affirm their children's mental illness, and Montgomery County's recent $1.5 million payout to families after Mahmoud v. Taylor.In this episode, we discuss:1:23 A recent ruling that Louisiana's law requiring the 10 Commandments to be in every public school classroom does not facially and in all circumstances violate the First Amendment. This dispute is likely to be back in the courtroom as schools begin to follow the state's law. The dissent attempted to bring back the now-disavowed Lemon test.14:34 A lawsuit against several laws in Washington that enable state-run shelters to hide and perform sex-rejecting procedures on kids that run away from home. Several states, led by Florida and Idaho, recently filed a brief urging the US Supreme Court to take up the case.26:18 The fallout from Mahmoud v. Taylor - Montgomery County recently agreed to pay $1.5 million to parents and to follow the Supreme Court's order to restore opt-outs from sexually explicit material in the classroom.For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgFor more of the Napa Legal podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTopics: Religious freedom, religious liberty, Roake v. Brumley, Stone v. Graham, Lemon v. Kurtzman, Kennedy v. Bremerton, transgenderism, parental rights, free exercise, Religion Clauses.The Napa Legal Podcast, March 3, 2026.#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement explain a new First Amendment lawsuit, a case against a Buddhist temple that could impact Catholic seminaries and religious orders, and Kansas' new "bathroom bill."In this episode, we discuss:1:17 A challenge to Colorado's Blaine Amendment, a law that prevents any state dollars from going to religious organizations. While the US Supreme Court has rendered such laws largely ineffective, Colorado's has never been challenged in court.14:34 A former member of a Buddhist temple in San Francisco sued for uncollected wages. The lawsuit, which is pending before the California Supreme Court, hinges upon whether the ministerial exception applies to such claims. The case could have a major impact on Catholic seminaries and religious orders in the state.28:12 The Kansas legislature recently overrode the governors veto of a law that makes it a crime to enter public bathrooms reserved for the opposite sex. The law also applies to locker rooms in public schools. It builds upon a 2023 state law that legally defined sex and an immutable characteristic tied to biology.For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgFor more of the Napa Legal podcast, visit our site here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTopics: Free Exercise Jurisprudence, Carson v. Makin, Establishment Clause, Church Autonomy Doctrine, transgenderism.The Napa Legal Podcast, February 24, 2026.#freedomofreligion #religiousliberty

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement explain the latest on Jimmy Lai's sentencing, lawsuits over sex-rejecting procedures at children's hospitals, and abortion law in Michigan.In this episode, we discuss:1:17 Jimmy Lai, the 78-year-old Catholic advocate for democracy and human rights in Hong Kong, was recently sentenced to 20 years in a Chinese prison. His family has asked for continued prayers and notes that he has been supported by his faith.9:10 A lawsuit brought by Rob Bonta against a children's hospital that decided to stop performing sex-rejecting procedures on minors in order to continue receiving federal funding. Bonta is seeking to force the hospital to continue offering such procedures and drugs.18:28 A lawsuit against Michigan's law that prevents pro-life organizations from hiring only pro-life staff.For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgFor more of the Napa Legal podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTopics: Catholic advocacy, political persecution, free speech, free association, transgenderism, abortion law, Michigan Right to Life.The Napa Legal Podcast, February 18, 2026.#firstamendment #freespeech #abortionpill #prolife

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement explain a novel legal victory that will protect children from "transgender" surgeries, compelled speech in public schools, and a new lawsuit against abortion pill distribution.In this episode, we discuss:1:11 A New York jury verdict awarding $2 million to Varian Fox, a 22-year old woman who received a double mastectomy at the behest of her psychologist to treat her mental illness despite clear underlying trauma. Fox has since "detransitioned" and sued her former psychologist and plastic surgeon for malpractice.12:38 A recent ruling that upheld a compelled speech requirement in Montgomery County Public Schools. The Country forces all teacher to refer to students by any pronouns the children request, despite the First Amendment's guarantees of free speech and religious exercise.22:56 A novel lawsuit from a father in Texas against an abortion pill provider that facilitated the death of his two unborn children. This case is the latest in the fight between pro-life and pro-abortion states over whether or not practitioners can mail mifepristone across state lines.For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgFor more of the Napa Legal podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastFor our latest episode discussing free speech in public schools: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/podcast-episodes/doj-asks-court-to-delay-lawsuit-against-mailing-abortion-pills-the-first-amendment-and-moreTopics: Transgender ideology, Westchester county, first amendment, Pickering Connick test, Smith, neutral and generally applicable, religious discrimination, mail-order abortions.The Napa Legal Podcast, February 10, 2026.#firstamendment #freespeech #abortionpill #prolife

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement explain a lawsuit over mail-order abortions, free speech in public schools, and the public display of statues depicting two Catholic saints.In this episode, we discuss:1:20 The Department of Justice's latest intervention in a lawsuit over whether or not doctors can mail abortion pills without any in-person visits. 9:41 A new petition to the Supreme Court from a high school Students for Life Chapter that was censored and shut down after posting event flyers.20:23 A case before the Massachusetts Supreme Court over the city's attempt to install statues of Saints Michael and Florian to inspire first responders.For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgFor more of the Napa Legal podcast, visit our site here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastFor our episode discussing free speech in public schools: https: //www.napalegalinstitute.org/podcast-episodes/latest-scotus-oral-arguments-free-speech-win-in-schools-kim-davis-case-endsTopics: Mifepristone, misoprostol, Liz Murrill, Louisiana v. FDA, Department of Justice, Free Speech, First Amendment, Tinker, Hazelwood, Establishment Clause, John Adams, Church and State.The Napa Legal Podcast, February 3, 2026.#firstamendment #prolifemovement #legalnews

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement explain new legal and policy updates involving New York's abortion mandate, the Church Autonomy Doctrine and COVID restrictions, and Illinois' abortion referral requirements.In this episode, we discuss:1:23 New York's recent settlement with a group of Catholic nuns, Dioceses, and other churches over the state's requirement for religious organizations to pay for abortions in Albany v. Harris after a decade of litigation.11:57 A cert petition from a church that was fined over $1 million for violating restrictions imposed during COVID-19 asking the Supreme Court to expand the Church Autonomy Doctrine and overturn Smith.22:59 A letter from HHS explaining how Illinois' abortion referral requirement for all doctors violates federal law.For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgFor more of the Napa Legal podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastFor our recent episode featuring Andrea Picciotti-Bayer, visit us here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/podcast-episodes/religion-in-american-society-law-culture-and-freedom-with-guest-andrea-picciotti-bayerFor our episode with Fr. Tad Pacholczyk, visit us here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/podcast-episodes/religious-freedom-in-healthcare-with-fr-tad-pacholczykTopics: Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc. v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Review Commission, Fulton v. City of Philadelphia, abortion mandate, Free Exercise, Establishment of Religion, Establishment Clause, freedom of religion, religious liberty, ministerial exception, Tandon v. Newsom, abortion referral requirement, medical conscience rights.The Napa Legal Podcast, January 27 2026.#firstamendment #prolifemovement #legalnews

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement explain new legal and policy updates involving public schools that treat students as the opposite sex while lying to parents, women’s sports at the U.S. Supreme Court, and pro-life legislation.In this episode, we discuss:1:43 An emergency appeal in a lawsuit against California's parental exclusion policy that instructs school staff to lie to parents about their interactions with students who struggle with gender dysphoria17:27 Recent oral arguments in a set of cases before the US Supreme Court over state laws that ban men from competing in women's sports31:37 Two pro-life laws currently working through the New Hampshire Legislature that protect parental and medical conscience rightsFor more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgFor more of the Napa Legal podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTopics: Public schools, free exercise, First Amendment, Bonta v. Mirabelli, Little v. Hecox, West Virginia v. BPJ, pro-life.The Napa Legal Podcast, January 19 2026.#parentalrights #prolifemovement #legalnews

In this episode of the Napa Legal Podcast, we’re joined by Andrea Picciotti-Bayer to examine religious liberty, the First Amendment, and the role of faith-based nonprofits in American society today. We discuss why religious individuals and organizations must be free from government coercion to carry out their missions, and how protecting religious liberty benefits civil society and the most vulnerable among us.Key Moments:0:50 Introduction and Andrea's work and background with the Conscience Project7:10 The inclusion of religion in public life and freedom from government coercion today12:08 Inclusion by exclusion: when poor policy hurts the most vulnerable15:40 The importance of stories and using faith to motivate heroism19:26 Originalism, the First Amendment, and the Founders' vision of religious liberty in education26:25 Responding to critics of protecting religious liberty31:05 What to watch for in the coming yearsCases Discussed- Trinity Lutheran v. Columbia- Carson v. Makin- Fulton v. City of Philadelphia- Kennedy v. Bremerton- Lemon v. Kurtzman- Dier v. LandryKey Quotation from Andrea: "Faith is not an intruder in public life; it’s a part of our civic DNA." For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTo learn more about Napa Legal and our work, visit us at our website:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgThe Napa Legal Podcast, January 15, 2026

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement discuss the following updates:1:35 The 9th Circuit's novel expansion of the Church Autonomy Doctrine to provide greater protection for religious organizations when making hiring decisions;19:18 A case currently pending before the Supreme Court that could clarify when/how individuals whose First Amendment rights have been violated by the government can go to court;29:32 The Wyoming Supreme Court's recent ruling against the state's abortion bans and how it fails both the state's and natural laws.For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastFor more about Napa Legal and our work, visit out site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/Topics:- Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses- Freedom of Religion- Section 1983- Abortion and abortion pill bans- Is Abortion Healthcare?The Napa Legal Podcast, January 12, 2025

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement discuss the follow updates:1:38 The latest ruling against Planned Parenthood's attempt to force Congress to provide the nation's largest abortion provider with taxpayer dollars;12:31 The reinstatement of the Department of Veterans' Affairs near-total abortion ban;21:41 Religious discrimination in federal rural development projects.Topics CoveredPlanned ParenthoodBig Beautiful BillMedicaid FundingThe Fiction of Medically Necessary AbortionsRural Development ProjectsThe Economic and Civic Impact of Small Town ChurchesTo learn more about our work, visit our website at: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site at:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastThe Napa Legal Podcast, January 6, 2026

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits! In this episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement discuss the origins, mission, and identity of Napa Legal, and explain why the government must protect the free exercise of religion and the freedom of individuals and institutions to seek and worship God.Drawing from Catholic social teaching, natural law, and American history, they examine:- Humanity’s telos and human nature- The Catholic understanding of religious liberty- The history of nonprofits and freely made civil associations in America- How Napa Legal supports religious organizations and faith-based nonprofits through legal educationThis episode connects theology, philosophy, and law, explaining how religious liberty sustains a free society and why protecting faith-based nonprofits is essential to American civic life.To learn more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcast Key Topics: natural law, teleology, human nature, Dignitas Humanae, Pope Saint Paul the Sixth (PVI), freedom of association, free exercise of religion, Alexis de Tocqueville, religious liberty litigation, corporate governance, legal education, legal compliance, regulatory requirements, 501(c)(3) status, religious organizations, American law and history.The Napa Legal Podcast, December 23, 2025.

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this special guest episode, Frank DeVito sits down with Chris Motz, the Senior Counsel at First Liberty and former Marine infantry officer and current part time judge advocate in the Air Force reserve component.They discuss religious liberty in the US military, especially in the light of recent contract cancellations for support staff of Catholic chaplains. Chris and Frank explain the history of the chaplaincy, current practices and opportunities for religious servicemembers, the need for greater support for Catholic chaplains and soldiers, and more!To watch more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTo learn more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgRead Chris' piece on Army cuts for chaplains here:https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/5628554-catholic-chaplains-face-army-cuts/Topics: US Military, free exercise, Fr. Emil Kapaun, Fr. Vincent Capodanno, Father O’Callahan.The Napa Legal Podcast, December 18, 2025

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement discuss the following updates:1:40 A recent victory in court for a group of pro-life sidewalk counsellors in Florida who were prevented from carrying out their ministry;15:25 A Minnesota court's recent decision that protected the rights of a Catholic school to hire according to its faith;28:20 Criticism that the US Army has faced for cutting back key support roles for religious servicemembers and their families.Topics: First Amendment, abortion clinics, buffer zone laws, Florida Preborn Resuce, ministerial exception, Church Autonomy Doctrine, Army chaplains, religious freedom, American constitutional rights.The Napa Legal Podcast, December 16, 2025