Strange Bedfellows: Why Are Some Religious Groups Defending Bong Hits 4 Jesus?
A recent Supreme Court case involving the free speech rights of students is producing some very unusual alliances. Christian conservative groups, such as the American Center for Law and Justice, the Christian Legal Society and the Alliance Defense Fund, are defending a student named Joseph Frederick who was punished by his high school principal for holding up a sign that read “Bong Hits 4 Jesus.” At first glance, it seems odd, even a little absurd, that Christian organizations would make common cause with someone equating Jesus Christ with smoking marijuana. But a closer examination of the issues in the case, Morse v. Frederick, reveals why some conservative religious groups have decided to support Frederick’s right to make unorthodox statements. The case, which was argued before the High Court on March 19, was prompted by a 2002 incident involving Olympic celebrations in downtown Juneau, Alaska. Local high school students were excused from class in order to have a chance to watch the
