E.D. Pa.: Company may condemn and take property of Catholic order to build pipeline. Religion Clause reports here on the decision in Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Co., LLC v. Permanent Easement for 2.14 Acres, (E.D. Pa Aug. 23, 2017), as it relates to Adorers. Page 21 of the decision includes this analysis and conclusion:
Defendant Adorers argue they will suffer harm that implicates their fundamental rights to free exercise of religion and ownership of property if Transco is granted immediate possession. Adorers claim that they “exercise their religious beliefs by, among other things, caring for and protecting the land they own,” and that their efforts to “preserve the sacredness of God’s Earth” are integral to the practice of their faith. However, the Adorers have failed to establish how Transco’s possession of the right of way on their land will in any way affect their ability to practice their faith and spread their message. They have not presented one piece of evidence that demonstrates how their religious beliefs will be abridged in any way. Clearly, the harm alleged by Transco outweighs this harm alleged by the Adorers. Additionally, Transco will post sufficient bonds upon the grant of the preliminary injunction; therefore, any amount of money damages any landowner may suffer will be secure and a remedy will be available. Accordingly, this factor weighs in favor of Transco.