Policy
Religious Freedom
Respecting human dignity requires that we respect the core elements of how people and groups identify themselves, including their religious beliefs. Religious belief has been a powerful motivation for protecting the rights and liberties of others; it kindled movements to abolish slavery and protect Americans’ civil rights. For millions of Americans, religion is the source of the values required in a free society, such as understanding, respect and sacrifice for others. Additionally, religious institutions provide irreplaceable care for the most vulnerable people in society.
For all of these reasons, the right to exercise religion is a fundamental human right. The law should respect the independence of religious institutions, defend the right of conscience, and protect the right of individuals to act on their religious beliefs, while establishing reasonable protections for public health and safety in a spirit of fairness for all.
Published Research
Conversations
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It's a bad idea for government to violate religious liberty
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Religious liberty is good for everyone – not just religious people
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Religion doesn't need a permission slip from the government
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Religious freedom and conscience in higher education
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Religious freedom, courts, and federalism in Utah | Bill Duncan
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The benefit of religious contributions to society
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How facts help provide a more positive perception of religion
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How to persuade religious skeptics without preaching
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Advice to the younger generation on the benefits of religion
Insights & Takeaways
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What is nominee Jackson’s record on religious freedom?
Read More: What is nominee Jackson’s record on religious freedom?Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson does not have an extensive judicial record on religious freedom claims, although she has expressed support for the principle of religious freedom.
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Supreme Court to hear free-speech case from Colorado
Read More: Supreme Court to hear free-speech case from ColoradoThe Supreme Court will address the following issue: “Whether applying a public-accommodation law to compel an artist to speak or stay silent violates the Free Speech Clause of the First…
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Statement in support of HCR 16 – Concurrent Resolution Recognizing Student Athletes’ Right to Religious Freedom and Modesty
Read More: Statement in support of HCR 16 – Concurrent Resolution Recognizing Student Athletes’ Right to Religious Freedom and ModestyHCR 16 makes a compelling case for both the value of sports to student athletes and the need to properly accommodate modesty concerns in policies about uniforms.
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Breyer’s record on religious freedom
Read More: Breyer’s record on religious freedomAmong the critical issues that the justice who replaces Stephen Breyer will help decide is how religious freedom will be protected. How did Justice Breyer approach these issues during his…
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Arizona’s nondiscrimination legislation may build on Utah’s example
Read More: Arizona’s nondiscrimination legislation may build on Utah’s exampleThe Arizona proposal builds on Utah’s 2015 legislation but deals with new issues that have provoked religious freedom conflicts.
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Religious teachings, sense of community encourage people of faith to help others
Read More: Religious teachings, sense of community encourage people of faith to help othersWhy does religion seem to influence the common good? Many religious teachings endorse care for others in need. Religions also tend to foster community and make it easier for people…
