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
Mahmoud v. Taylor – Part 4: Billy's Story
Mahmoud v. Taylor – Part 3: What Should Happen
Mahmoud v. Taylor – Part 2: The Arguments
Mahmoud v. Taylor – Part 1: Case Overview
Mahmoud v. Taylor: Explained
Opt-ins and opt-outs in education #utpol #education
How the Mahmoud v. Taylor SCOTUS case will impact parents and schools #utpol #education #scotus
Proactively protecting religious freedom #utpol #religiousfreedom
Mahmoud v. Taylor – Part 4: Billy's Story
Mahmoud v. Taylor – Part 3: What Should Happen
Mahmoud v. Taylor – Part 2: The Arguments
Insights & Takeaways
CommentaryAnother unanimous win for religious freedom at the Supreme Court
The Court’s support for religious freedom is a bright spot in our current political climate.
Impact AnalysisSurvey data shows progressive ideology is creating fissures in Jewish students’ views on Israel
College campuses have been a hotbed for anti-Israel sentiment. Is that sentiment evident within the Jewish community itself?
InsightsHow faith bolsters mental health
Religion is not only valuable for protecting believers but has significant benefits for all members of the community.
InsightsForced to facilitate abortion? A church challenges Washington’s health coverage law
A church in Washington is challenging a state law that requires it to provide abortion coverage in employee health care plans.
TakeawaysCurated Insights: Sutherland launches new weekly policy newsletters
Sutherland unveiled weekly policy-specific newsletters to help enhance its reach, impact, and influence on key issues facing Utah and the nation.
InsightsParents and religious freedom
Mahmoud v. Taylor is one of the most significant cases of the U.S. Supreme Court's current term.
CommentaryAnother unanimous win for religious freedom at the Supreme Court
The Court’s support for religious freedom is a bright spot in our current political climate.
Impact AnalysisSurvey data shows progressive ideology is creating fissures in Jewish students’ views on Israel
College campuses have been a hotbed for anti-Israel sentiment. Is that sentiment evident within the Jewish community itself?
InsightsHow faith bolsters mental health
Religion is not only valuable for protecting believers but has significant benefits for all members of the community.