Health Services Division, Health & Environment Department v. Temple Baptist Church

OPINION

CHAVEZ, Judge.

Temple Baptist Church, its pastor, child care center, and the center’s principal (“the church”) appeal a district court’s order granting judgment to the Health Services Division of the Health and Environment Department (“the division”). The judgment enjoined the church from operating its child care center without a license. The church claims the division’s rules infringe on free exercise of religion by prohibiting the church from spanking its pupils. See New Mexico Regulations Governing Facilities Providing Day/Night Care to Children § 501(G)(1) (1987). The church claims…