News - Maine Court Prohibits Mom from Attending Church Visits with Daughter

In a significant ruling, the Maine Supreme Court has upheld a custody order that prevents a mother, Emily Bickford, from taking her 13-year-old daughter, Ava, to church or exposing her to religious beliefs without the father's approval. The decision grants the father, Richard Bradeen, exclusive decision-making authority over Ava's religious exposure, effectively barring Bickford from sharing her Christian faith with her daughter. Bickford and Bradeen, never having married, have been in a legal battle over Ava's religious upbringing since 2024. The initial custody order arose when Bradeen expressed concerns about the religious environment at Calvary Chapel in Portland, Maine, describing it as 'dangerous and harmful.' He claimed Ava suffered anxiety and a panic attack following teachings on topics like the rapture. The case has sparked debate over parental rights and First Amendment protections, with Liberty Counsel, a faith-based legal organization, representing Bickford and urging the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case. Liberty Counsel argues that the Maine ruling contradicts other state court decisions on religious free exercise rights and disregards U.S. Supreme Court precedent. Despite Bickford being deemed a fit mother, the Maine courts agreed with Bradeen's concern, granting him control over religious decisions for Ava, including attending church or engaging with religious texts. Liberty Counsel contends that this decision gives Bradeen undue power, essentially stripping Bickford of her rights to influence her daughter's spiritual journey. Michelle King, Bradeen's attorney, remarked on the media attention surrounding the case, acknowledging its complexity and the stress involved for both parents. The broader constitutional issues of religious freedom, judicial authority, and parental rights have caught national attention and hinge on whether the U.S. Supreme Court will decide to hear the case. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for custody cases intersecting with religious freedoms, making it a significant legal battle worth watching as it potentially moves to the nation's highest court.