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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Small shifts in religious affiliation and law may improve climate for religious freedom
Read More: Small shifts in religious affiliation and law may improve climate for religious freedomAs significant legal and demographic changes have spread across the country in the past few decades, conflicts involving religious freedom have also increased. Recent developments may signal a shift in…
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Religious freedom at the Supreme Court: Where we are, and what’s next
Read More: Religious freedom at the Supreme Court: Where we are, and what’s nextOver the past few years – in the face of lamentable congressional impotence and inaction on most difficult policy issues – the U.S. Supreme Court has actively shaped the legal…
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How religious practice is linked to healthy habits
Read More: How religious practice is linked to healthy habitsThere are significant indications that religious practice helps people to live better lives and that, in turn, benefits society more generally.
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Supreme Court says donors’ right of association outweighs need for disclosure
Read More: Supreme Court says donors’ right of association outweighs need for disclosureThe court’s application of constitutional principles ensures a wide range of groups can pursue their work and a wide range of citizens can support groups who represent their beliefs without…
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Congress’ abdication of lawmaking may affect religious freedom
Read More: Congress’ abdication of lawmaking may affect religious freedomA recent decision by the U.S. Department of Education about how to interpret the law prohibiting sex discrimination in education has some important implications for the separation of powers, religious…
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Supreme Court’s Fulton decision denies both extremes, shows a better way
Read More: Supreme Court’s Fulton decision denies both extremes, shows a better wayA better way is both possible and doable. We just have to be willing to be the kind of people who can accomplish it.
