Court: First Amendment does not prevent lawsuits over votive candles

January 16, 2013

A Connecticut trial court has ruled that the First Amendment does not protect parishes from lawsuits over injuries caused by votive candles.

When a parishioner at St. Mary Star of the Sea in Unionville, Connecticut, knelt and lit a votive candle, the loose kneeling pad slipped, causing the parishioner’s blouse to ignite and leading to injuries. The parishioner sued the parish, which in turn unsuccessfully argued in court that the arrangement of kneeling pads and votive candles was protected by the First Amendment.

 

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Further information:

• 1st Amendment No Bar To Court Deciding Claim on Injury While Lighting Votive Candle (Religion Clause)