Religious Freedom
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Potential SCOTUS case could protect supporters of unpopular causes from retribution
This is an important case with the potential to clarify whether a state can, like Alabama tried to do in the 1950s, create a climate where supporters of private associations are at risk of being harassed or intimidated because of…
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Religious Freedom 101: From Washington to WWII, the ups and downs
While the roughly 140-year period between the enactment of the First Amendment and World War II was often a dark and difficult time for the aspiration of religious freedom, all of this persecution set the stage for a crucial upsurge…
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Tax benefit in bill will help religious charities mitigate coronavirus crisis
The coronavirus aid bill recently passed by Congress and signed by President Trump includes some important provisions that reflect the importance of religious and other private charitable endeavors at times of great need.
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Can the government order churches to close without violating the First Amendment?
Questions are being asked, however, about the extent of the state’s ability to direct churches to close in the event of an emergency like the current worldwide pandemic.
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COVID-19 concerns have a rare impact on Supreme Court – but its work still goes on
The postponement of oral arguments may slow up some cases, but the justices still have plenty to do in the absence of these arguments, and there is no reason to believe that this appropriate concession to public health will create…
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Peaceful multiculturalism is far better than ‘tolerance,’ say Azerbaijani leaders
The government panelists disavowed the ideal of tolerance, preferring multiculturalism, which they described as more expansive – actively appreciating those with other beliefs. Muslims, Jews and Christians have coexisted in the area for thousands of years.
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Religious Freedom 101: Establishing the aspiration of religious freedom in the United States
Religious freedom has been a national aspiration from before the country was founded. Yet, just like the nation’s aspirations for racial equality and gender equality, our nation’s history shows uneven progress.
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Religious groups’ brief explains why government shouldn’t be able to circumvent protections
The government must carefully limit the scope of its regulation so that it advances that overwhelming interest without unnecessarily limiting valid exercises of the fundamental right.
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Can Muslim man be forced to act as informant? Or does it abuse his religious freedom?
Religious freedom is not a narrow, partisan issue. Potential threats to this freedom come from many different administrations and cut across religious affiliations.
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SCOTUS cases point to religious freedom issues that Congress should help decide
Congress must play a larger role in protecting religious freedom while balancing the interests of others. This branch of government is better suited for balancing various interests than the Supreme Court, which tends to decide on only very specific disputes.