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.
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
What is the Religious Freedom Restoration Act? #utpol #religiousfreedom
Religious freedom for all #utpol #religiousfreedom
Religious practice is a key part of a pluralistic society #religiousfreedom
Why Utah Needs a Religious Freedom Restoration Act
Antisemitism in America: Rabbi Chaim Zippel on the aftermath of the Hamas attack
Diverse faiths working to build community #utah #utpol
America's Religious Pluralism
Faith and Religion in Public Life
Eboo Patel on how religious differences are actually necessary for healthy democracy
What is the Religious Freedom Restoration Act? #utpol #religiousfreedom
Religious freedom for all #utpol #religiousfreedom
Religious practice is a key part of a pluralistic society #religiousfreedom
Insights & Takeaways
2024 in the courts: What’s on the docket for religious freedom
The Supreme Court has not yet accepted religious freedom cases for its current term, but important cases are pending in other courts. Sutherland has filed amicus briefs in three of these cases.
In Washington, religious groups fight for their conscience
In recent years, the Supreme Court has repeatedly and clearly ruled that the law must accommodate religious beliefs and expression. Still, some states continue trying to ignore or subvert the clear constitutional protections for religious freedom.
More good news from the courts on religious freedom
In instances of legislative action that runs in opposition of religious beliefs, the courts provide an important and necessary backstop.
The impact of Sandra Day O’Connor
Sandra Day O’Connor’s service on and away from the court left long-standing impacts on education, religious freedom and family issues.
From the archives: Be thankful for religious freedom (and the not-so-uniform Pilgrims)
Thanksgiving is an appropriate occasion to talk about religious freedom. The Pilgrims’ baby steps toward religious toleration have had surprising but welcome ramifications through the last four centuries.
Why other states can still learn from the ‘Utah Compromise’
Utah’s legislative compromise on LGBTQ rights and religious freedom still stands as an example to other states of proactive policymaking, preventing court battles.
Key questions and answers about healthcare sharing ministries
Utah is considering legislation that would require healthcare sharing ministries to report to the state insurance commissioner, although the ministries don’t provide health insurance. What exactly are they?
Utah’s proactive work on religious freedom will help head off conflicts
This session, the Legislature is considering several religious freedom bills that would implement specific and blanket protections of free exercise.
What you need to know about a proposed Religious Freedom Restoration Act in Utah
Utah could become the 26th state to enhance religious freedom protections with such a law.