Harris County Bible Case Update

The Star of Hope Mission in Houston Texas is ostensibly the organization that is responsible for the bible, and they have expressed to the media some interest in joining the dispute. SOH is a openly religious institution that offers shelters, assistance, and generally does good things in the name of Jesus. According to the Chronicle, "an association that opposes court bans on religious expression in government buildings has volunteered to represent Star of Hope and file its motion to intervene in the case." The purpose of that would be to "argue that the order unconstitutionally infringes on Star of Hope officials' rights to practice religion and discuss their beliefs freely"

There are already three intervenors. I would not be surprised in the least if there were some pro bono interest in trying to fight this case. I would especially be interested in seeing what, if anything, they would add to the case. I can presume that their argument will be primarily religious, or free exercise of religion, while the state is probably going to feel obligated to argue the non-religious tact.

By the way, for the legal novice, an intervenor is "a party that voluntarily intervenes in a case. Intervention is the procedure by which a third person not originally a party to the suit, but claiming an interest in the subject matter, comes into the case in order to protect his right or interpose his claim." Black's Law Dictionary, 6th ed. There are already three intervenors in this matter. One is the court reporter for the Administrative Judge who has claimed an interest in the action (presumably because she was responsible for the bible and wanted to keep it on display), and the other two I don't know at this point. If I get some time this week I will try to get brief bios on all the parties.


HoustonChronicle.com - Star of Hope may join county in Bible dispute