Cert Denial: Apache Stronghold: When Sacred Sites Meet Corporate Mining | Decision Date: 5/27/25

Apache Stronghold, Petitioner v. United States, et al. | Order Date: 5/23/25 | Case No. 24-291

Link to Docket: Here.

Question Presented: Whether the government “substantially burdens” religious exercise under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act ("RFRA"), or must satisfy heightened scrutiny under the Free Exercise Clause, when it singles out a sacred site for complete physical destruction, ending specific religious rituals forever.

Result: Denial of certiorari.

Voting Breakdown: 6-2. Justice Gorsuch with whom Justice Thomas joined, dissented from the denial of certiorari.

Link to Decision: Here.