Wisconsin Catholic Charities Appeals to U.S. Supreme Court for Exemption from Unemployment Program

A Catholic Charities group based in Wisconsin is seeking intervention from the U.S. Supreme Court to maintain its exemption from the state’s unemployment compensation program. The Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Superior, represented by Becket Law, is contesting a recent ruling by the Wisconsin Supreme Court that determined its services to the poor, elderly, and disabled do not qualify as "typical" religious activities. Earlier this year, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled 4-3 against Catholic Charities, stating that the organization’s broad service to the community disqualified it from the exemption typically granted to religious non-profits. The court argued that to qualify for such an exemption, Catholic Charities would need to limit its hiring to Catholics and actively seek to convert those it serves, a requirement the organization finds untenable. The court's decision emphasized that the services provided by Catholic Charities could also be offered by secular organizations, thereby lacking a distinct religious purpose. The ruling stated, “It doesn’t matter if Catholic Charities gives a cup of water in Jesus’ name, because non-religious charities offer cups of water too,” highlighting the court's view on the nature of the services provided. In response, Catholic Charities is urging the Supreme Court to take up the case, advocating for a religious exemption similar to those enjoyed by other churches in Wisconsin, which would allow them to participate in the state’s unemployment program without compromising their religious mission.