SALT LAKE CITY (July, 1 2026) — The U.S. Supreme Court has decided to hear two significant constitutional cases during its October 2026 term, at the urging of Sutherland Institute and others. These cases address fundamental questions for families, as well as religious liberty.

The Court will hear International Partners for Ethical Care, Inc. v. Ferguson, a challenge to a Washington state policy that allows officials to withhold notification from parents when a runaway child identifies as transgender, even if the parents are fit and there is no evidence they pose a threat. Sutherland Institute submitted an amicus brief in this case.

The Court also agreed to hear Grand v. City of University Heights, a religious liberty case brought by an Orthodox Jewish man who was told he needed a permit to host prayer gatherings in his home. He alleges city officials surveilled and harassed him after he challenged the restriction.

Sutherland joined a coalition of organizations in filing an amicus brief, urging the Court to hear the case because it presents important questions about the First Amendment’s protection of religious exercise.

“These cases ask whether government will respect the Constitution’s protections for families and religious freedom,” said William Duncan, Sutherland Institute’s Constitutional Law and Religious Freedom Fellow. “Government should not sideline caring parents just based on assumptions or disagreements over how children should be raised. Americans should also be free to practice their faith without unnecessary government interference.”

The Supreme Court’s decisions in both cases could provide important guidance to lower courts and public officials nationwide on the constitutional limits of government authority over families and religious practice.

For more information on these cases, please see these blogs:  

https://sutherlandinstitute.org/parents-cut-out-of-their-childrens-decisions-will-get-a-chance-to-make-their-case-to-the-supreme-court/ 

https://sutherlandinstitute.org/u-s-supreme-court-will-hear-case-on-home-worship/