The Texas Supreme Court has been asked to help the 5th Circuit walk a fine line between public safety and a Native American group's right to perform a religious ritual at a public park.
In San Antonio's Brackenridge Park, there is a population of a bird called "Cormorant" that nests in trees. The city wants to renovate the park, and that includes getting rid of some of those trees. That led to a suit by members of the Native American Church, who considered the birds sacred.
They say for religious reasons, the city is barred by Texas law from altering the site. San Antonio attorney Jane Webre says there has to be some give.
"The city has opened the park, has granted the permit, waved the fee for the midnight water service that happens on the solstice, anytime they asked to do it," Webre says.
The Supreme Court will send it's ruling to the 5th circuit which will review the matter in the upcoming days.
This is a developing story. Come back for details.
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