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.
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.
Media
Published Research
Insights & Takeaways
TakeawaysFBI anti-Catholic memo isn’t the only example of government discrimination
A now-rescinded FBI memo regarding alleged threats from traditionalist Catholics comes amid other examples of religious discrimination.
InsightsAbortion coverage lawsuits could be avoided with better religious accommodation
The religious organizations in these cases will have U.S. Supreme Court precedent on their side.
InsightsFBI should be able to target extremists without smearing people of faith
A now-retracted FBI field office memo discussing possible threats of extremism from “radical-traditionalist Catholics” has created serious concern about targeting religious practices.
CommentaryStates should welcome religiously motivated foster parents
Massachusetts’s recent decision to deny a Catholic couple the ability to foster children due to their religious beliefs stands at odds with Supreme Court precedent, lower federal court decisions, and the needs of children.
InsightsDoes the Utah Constitution recognize a broad right to abortion?
The Utah Supreme Court has just concluded oral arguments in a challenge to the state’s abortion regulations.
InsightsWisconsin says Catholic charity group isn’t religious enough
If the government gets to decide what religious organizations are “religious enough,” it could use that authority to privilege some religious beliefs over others.
InsightsReligious people shouldn’t avoid the public square
Some of the most prominent conflicts created by the COVID pandemic response involved worship.
InsightsHow a ruling on Amish water disposal signifies protection for all of us
The strength of our commitment to constitutional values is shown by our willingness to extend their protections to unfamiliar and controversial practices.
InsightsCan faith save the planet?
Faith and religious organizations make an important contribution to protect our environment.