HELENA, Mont. (AP) -- A divided Montana Supreme Court says forcing a Hutterite religious colony to pay workers' compensation insurance for jobs outside the commune is not an unconstitutional intrusion into religion.
Monday's 4-3 decision upholds a 2009 law requiring religious organizations to carry workers' comp insurance. The Legislature passed the law after businesses complained they couldn't outbid the Hutterites.
The Big Sky Colony sued, saying the law targeted its religion and infringed on its beliefs. Its members have no personal property and make no wages as part of their communal living, and a member that makes a claim against the colony would be excommunicated.
Dissenting Justice James Nelson said the law violates the First Amendment to appease a powerful industry. But the court's majority ruled the law does not interfere with Hutterite religious practices.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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