PORTLAND, Maine — The Maine Supreme Judicial Court heard oral arguments today in a dispute that puts the rights of parents and religious freedom under the microscope.

At the center of the case is Emily Bickford, who said a lower court’s decision handed over to her co‑parent the power to veto which church their daughter may attend. The mother argues that this ruling infringes on her fundamental right to direct her child’s religious upbringing.

"It affects not only our family, but the families of all Christian children,” Bickford told reporters after the hearing.

The court order in question stemmed from a custody modification request by Matthew Bradeen, the father. He alleged that after the child began attending Calvary Chapel of Portland, she started having severe panic attacks and exhib

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