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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Athletic uniforms and religious freedom: Illinois takes a positive step
Read More: Athletic uniforms and religious freedom: Illinois takes a positive stepRecently, Illinois became the first state to enact legislation that would protect the ability of people of faith to participate in school athletics (both in high school and college) without…
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Some historical context for Supreme Court abortion case
Read More: Some historical context for Supreme Court abortion caseThe specific question the court will consider is whether states are permitted by the U.S. Constitution to allow abortions prior to viability. In the background, however, is a much more…
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A religious freedom preview of the upcoming SCOTUS term
Read More: A religious freedom preview of the upcoming SCOTUS termThese important cases, and possibly others that will arise in coming months, will provide opportunities for the court to continue to shape the response of states to claims by their…
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Religion is key factor in connecting men to their families
Read More: Religion is key factor in connecting men to their familiesWhen the law discourages religious expression, it discourages meaningful religious participation and weakens one of the main drivers of men’s healthy and beneficial engagement with their families.
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Mississippi abortion case more likely than Texas law to impact Roe v. Wade
Read More: Mississippi abortion case more likely than Texas law to impact Roe v. WadeThe real possibility of overturning Roe v. Wade is found in a case pending with the Supreme Court, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. That case involves a Mississippi law…
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Knowing courts’ constitutional role, limits can calm reactions
Read More: Knowing courts’ constitutional role, limits can calm reactionsThe court’s basic role is to apply existing legal rules – which could be provisions of the Constitution, laws passed by Congress, treaty obligations, etc. – in specific situations.
