The Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is a global Catholic fraternal order founded by Michael J. McGivney on March 29, 1882, in New Haven, Connecticut.
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The organization has around two million members, all of whom engage in a life of faith and aspire to uphold the four primary principles of the brotherhood, which include unity, charity, fraternity, and patriotism.
The Poplar Grove National Cemetery
For over 60 years, the religious group has held one of its primary events, the Memorial Day Mass, at the Poplar Grove National Cemetery in Petersburg, Virginia.
Source: National Park Service
However, in mid-May, the organization received the news that the National Park Service (NPS) had denied their permit request, citing the event as a “demonstration.” Ultimately, this prohibited the Knights of Columbus from holding the mass service at the cemetery, according to Fox News.
The Knights Argue Biden Has Infringed Their Rights
The decision led to an outcry and a lot of backlash online for the Biden administration and the NPS. The Knights were determined to challenge the decision and immediately contacted their lawyers.
Source: Freepik
According to reports, attorneys for the Knights argued the Biden administration had infringed on the organization’s First Amendment rights. They later filed a temporary restraining order against the park service, which Jason Miyares, the state Attorney General, supported.
Attorney for the Knights Releases a Statement
John Moran, the attorney for the Knights of Columbus, released a statement following the news of the ban, stating, “The policy and the decision blocking the Knights of Columbus from continuing their long-standing religious tradition is a blatant violation of the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.”
Source: Freepik
He continued, “We urge the court to grant our restraining order and allow the Knights to hold their service this Memorial Day.”
The NPS Approve the Permit
After the threat of legal action was brought against the NPS, it appears they changed their mind and approved the permit, allowing the Knights to hold their annual religious service.
Source: Freepik
The attorneys celebrated the approval, with Moran stating, “We are grateful to the NPS for allowing the Knights to hold their service this Memorial Day.”
Attorney General Shares Good News
Miyares later took to social media to share the news of the reversal, citing it came just hours after he filed an amicus brief.
Source: Wikimedia
“Within hours of my filing, the Biden Administration reversed course and will now allow the Knights of Columbus to gather at the Poplar Grove National Cemetery this Memorial Day. It’s shameful that they were denied in the first place,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
First Liberty Thanks Those Involved in the Victory
During the legal proceedings, the Knights were also backed by First Liberty, which thanked Miyares and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin for their role in reversing the NPS’s decision.
Source: Freepik
“The Knights are thrilled that they will be able to exercise their religious beliefs and keep this honorable tradition alive. We appreciate the tremendous support of Governor Youngkin and Attorney General Miyares in this case,” said Senior Counsel Roger Byron.
Biden Administration Initially Denies the Permit
The NPS also denied the Catholic fraternal service organization a permit in 2023, sparking considerable debate online.
Source: Kent Nishimura/Getty Images
As the Knights had been holding the event at the cemetery for decades, many were curious as to what led to the park service’s decision, which appears to stem from rules implemented in the 1980s.
Mass Gatherings Prohibited in National Cemeteries
According to the NPS website, “demonstrations,” such as the mass event held by the knights, are technically prohibited in national ceremonies.
Source: Freepik
“Conducting a special event or demonstration, whether spontaneous or organized, is prohibited except for official commemorative events conducted for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and other dates designated by the superintendent as having special historical and commemorative significance to a particular national cemetery. Committal services are excluded from this restriction,” the rules state.
Reserved Nature of National Ceremonies
It appears that the superintendent of the Petersburg National Battlefield, Alexa Viets, supported the park’s decision.
Source: Wikimedia
“National Cemeteries are established as national shrines in tribute to those who have died in service to our country,” she said, highlighting the NPS’ viewpoint, which aims to uphold the sanctity of the cemeteries.
Arguments From the Knights
In an argument against the views of the park, attorneys for the Knights said the organization had been conducting a Mass or prayer event at the site for over sixty years. According to Miyares, the First Amendment clearly states that groups have the right to hold such events on parkland.
Source: Wikimedia
“The First Amendment very clearly allows religious and non-religious groups to hold these types of gatherings on government grounds,” he said following the case’s conclusion.