KFDA - NewsChannel 10 / Amarillo News, Weather, SportsCourt reverses Texas case on animal sacrifices
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Associated Press - July 31, 2009 5:35 PM ET
DALLAS (AP) - A federal appeals court has reversed a district court's ruling, smoothing the way for a Santeria priest in a Fort Worth suburb to resume goat sacrifices that are part of a religious ceremony.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' action on Friday goes against the city of Euless' attempts to bar the sacrifices.
Jose Merced had sued the city, accusing it of trampling his constitutional right to religious exercise.
Merced's lawyer Eric Rassbach says it's now a great day for religious freedom in Texas.
But the city's attorney, William "Mick" McKamie, said he plans to file a motion for a rehearing.
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