Federal Judge Rules Colorado Must Allow Religious-Based Admissions in Universal Preschool Program

Judge finds state's current policy violates free exercise rights of Catholic preschools while upholding non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ families.

• Catholic preschools in Colorado can now prioritize admissions based on religion under the universal preschool program.
• The ruling stems from a lawsuit by St. Mary and St. Bernadette Catholic parishes against the state.
• The judge upheld protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
• The state had previously denied funding to these preschools due to their religious-based admission policies.
• The decision may have broader implications for the inclusion of faith-based institutions in public programs.

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