Justice Dept. backs archdiocese in Christmas subway ad fight

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Justice Department is supporting the Archdiocese of Washington in a court fight against D.C.'s subway system, which rejected an ad for the organization's Christmas fundraising effort.

The archdiocese sued Metro, arguing its refusal to sell ad space violated the First Amendment. But a federal judge in December rejected its request to force the agency to post the ads, which showed a biblical scene.

The Justice Department's court filing Tuesday reflects the Trump administration's effort to prioritize religious freedom issues. Attorney General Jeff Sessions in October issued a sweeping directive to government agencies to do as much as possible to accommodate those who say their religious freedoms are being violated.

The court filing says Metro's action was unconstitutional and urges an appeals court to overturn the judge's decision.