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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ReportReligious Freedom 101: A brief history of America’s first freedom
Read More: Religious Freedom 101: A brief history of America’s first freedomReligious 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…
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Football coach who lost job after post-game prayers heads back to Supreme Court
Read More: Football coach who lost job after post-game prayers heads back to Supreme CourtCoach 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…
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Decision on Colorado wedding website designer may have big implications
Read More: Decision on Colorado wedding website designer may have big implicationsA 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…
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Biden’s on a judge-nominating streak – here’s a primer on federal courts
Read More: Biden’s on a judge-nominating streak – here’s a primer on federal courtsA 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…
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Are religious-freedom conflicts linked to lack of religious affiliation?
Read More: Are religious-freedom conflicts linked to lack of religious affiliation?The report not only describes national affiliation trends, but also includes county-level data on religious affiliation. This allows for a high-level look at possible correlation between government limitations on religious…
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Studies show religion can help protect against drug abuse risk
Read More: Studies show religion can help protect against drug abuse riskThe protection offered by religion and religious practice against drug abuse and addiction is so strong that Grim argues “the decline in religious affiliation presents a growing national health concern.”
