Supreme Court Rules Philadelphia Non-Discrimination Policy For Foster Care Contract Violated Requested Contractual Exception

On June 17, 2021, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled that the city of Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services (DHS) non-discrimination policies for city contractors violated a requested contractual exception by Catholic Social Services (CSS), one of the city’s foster care contractors. The city’s argument was based on adoption of a non-discrimination policy that prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation. In May 2018, CSS and three of its foster parents sued DHS, arguing that the city’s position violated its constitutional right to the free exercise of religion. CSS defended its actions . . .