Religious Freedom
-
How freedom of religion helps bolster the right of association
Like other critical rights, the ideal of freedom of association has roots in and has been enhanced by the efforts of religions and people of faith to assert their convictions.
-
Support, skills, networking – all are ways that churches help unemployed
Sometimes finding work requires upgrading skills, and faith-based organizations help here as well.
-
Faith motivates people to help refugees in a strange new land
It is important to recognize the critical contributions that religious organizations and religious individuals make to refugees, motivated by their faith. Such motivation is deep and durable and prompts actions that governments are unlikely to take, at least without great…
-
Are vaccine mandates constitutional?
The experience of Indiana University suggests that courts are likely to be especially sympathetic to mandates when they include exemptions. Where those affected by the mandate are given the opportunity to show medical or other reasons why they should be…
-
Parental control: The dramatic legal history over directing a child’s religion and education
These cases, taken together, form the foundation for the now well-established right of a parent to make decisions on behalf of their child, free of government coercion, except for cases of abuse or unfitness. It is also yet another example…
-
Social benefits of religious schools extend beyond education
Research suggests that students educated in private schools are more likely to vote as adults. Another study found students “educated in Protestant secondary schools are considerably more likely than other young people to continue to volunteer.”
-
Religious Freedom 101: A brief history of America’s first freedom
Religious freedom has always been an essential part of the American experiment. Original colonists in the 1600s fled religious oppression and founded four of the first American colonies. Later, the new United States enshrined religious freedom in the First Amendment.
-
Football coach who lost job after post-game prayers heads back to Supreme Court
Coach Kennedy’s attorneys will again seek review by the Supreme Court. This could provide the court an opportunity to clarify what rights public employees have to privately act on their beliefs. That clarity would be helpful for employers and employees…
-
Decision on Colorado wedding website designer may have big implications
A recent decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit – the regional federal court that includes Utah – raises significant issues of free speech and religious freedom that are likely to reverberate into the future.
-
Biden’s on a judge-nominating streak – here’s a primer on federal courts
A recent news story pointed out that President Joe Biden has begun his administration with a strong record for getting new federal judges confirmed. Since taking office, he has managed to secure the confirmation of eight federal judges, more than…