Religious schools are not exempt from access to scholarships and funds intended for private schools, the justices ruled, in a victory for conservatives.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. joined fellow conservatives in the 5-to-4 decision.

The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that a Montana scholarship program that indirectly provided state funds to religious schools is protected by the Constitution, weighing in on a high-profile dispute over the separation of church and state.

Once states provide public funds to private schools, are they obligated to fund parochial schools, too?