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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Massachusetts case highlights religion’s historical role in higher education
Read More: Massachusetts case highlights religion’s historical role in higher educationCollege students and college graduates in America today have religion to thank in no small part for the higher education that is setting them up (or has already set them…
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Foster care bill may start conversation about protection of vulnerable children
Read More: Foster care bill may start conversation about protection of vulnerable childrenAlthough the upcoming Supreme Court decision on religious agencies and foster care will be important, it is heartening to see members of Congress weighing in to highlight the need for…
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Responsible centrist senators must save Equality Act from itself
Read More: Responsible centrist senators must save Equality Act from itselfSupporters of the Equality Act and religious freedom would likewise find their minds expanded and their lives enriched by listening to people who straddle both faith and LGBTQ+ identity.
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Supreme Court’s confirmation of right to share beliefs on campus is a victory for all
Read More: Supreme Court’s confirmation of right to share beliefs on campus is a victory for allWithout this ruling, there is a chance that a university could hamper a student’s rights in the hope that they will just accept the limitation without protest, only to quickly…
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Utah enacts forward-thinking religious protections in 2021 session
Read More: Utah enacts forward-thinking religious protections in 2021 sessionThis session, the Utah Legislature enacted two pieces of legislation with important implications for religious freedom.
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The conflicts and controversies behind the Equality Act
Read More: The conflicts and controversies behind the Equality ActThe basic aim of the Equality Act would be to add two new categories – sexual orientation and gender identity – to the protections of these earlier laws. Isn’t this…
