FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 25, 2024) – Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today that the Attorney General’s Office is defending the right of a Kenton County church to build an outdoor religious shrine on its property. In a brief before the Kentucky Supreme Court, General Coleman underscored the fundamental protections of religious practice and stood up for the church’s rights under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.
“It’s not up to the courts to decide how we exercise our religion in this country. For centuries, Americans have bravely fought and died for the right to practice their faith without substantial burden from the government. We proudly continue that fight today,” said Attorney General Coleman. “Our Office stands with the men and women of faith who simply want to exercise their rights.”
In 2021, the Missionaries of St. John the Baptist received approval from the City of Park Hills to build a grotto at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. The simple structure would provide a quiet place for meditation and worship before and after church services. Neighbors who opposed the shrine brought a lawsuit, and the Court of Appeals blocked the construction. The Attorney General is supporting the church’s appeal to allow the building of the shrine to proceed.
Kentucky Solicitor General Matt Kuhn, Principal Deputy Solicitor General Jack Heyburn and Assistant Solicitor General Daniel Grabowski filed the brief on behalf of the Commonwealth.
Read the brief.