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
Religious liberty is good for everyone—not just religious people
Religion doesn't need a permission slip from the government
Religious freedom and conscience in higher education
Religious freedom, courts, and federalism in Utah | Bill Duncan
The benefit of religious contributions to society
How facts help provide a more positive perception of religion
How to persuade religious skeptics without preaching
Advice to the younger generation on the benefits of religion
Is religion good for society?
Religious liberty is good for everyone—not just religious people
Religion doesn't need a permission slip from the government
Religious freedom and conscience in higher education
Insights & Takeaways
ReportHow Religious Schools Strengthen Our Republic: Religion and the American Experiment, Volume 1
In an age of accelerating polarization, institutional decline, and civic exhaustion, we are overdue for a reconsideration of what actually builds democratic resilience. While policy circles often turn to structural reforms or technological fixes, the deeper...
InsightsWhat’s at stake in the Supreme Court’s therapy speech case
The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in a challenge to a Colorado law requiring therapists to affirm the sexual orientation and gender identity of minor clients. A number of justices expressed concern that the law constitutes unconstitutional...
InsightsWhat rising violence reveals about freedom and faith
In just over a month, people of faith and religious sanctuaries have been attacked in high-profile acts of violence and destruction. These are part of increased religiously directed attacks in the United States in recent years. These tragic attacks raise serious...
InsightsCharlie Kirk’s advocacy for the Sabbath is exactly what we need today
More Americans are embracing Sabbath practices, from filmmaker Tiffany Shlain’s weekly “Tech Shabbat” to the late Charlie Kirk’s observance, as a way to unplug from screens and reconnect with what matters most. Neuroscience confirms that unplugging for 24 hours...
InsightsPreviewing new Religious Freedom Cases at SCOTUS
The U.S. Supreme Court will be deciding two religious freedom cases this coming term which will clarify how people of faith and religious institutions can seek court assistance when their rights are violated. These cases involve clear violations of religious...
InsightsA father’s love carved in fire
Gil Ta’asa, an Israeli firefighter and father, gave his life shielding his sons from a grenade during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. His sacrifice embodies the Jewish covenantal view of fatherhood: love as responsibility, devotion, and moral courage. In a...
ReportReligious Giving: The Social Benefits of Religion, Volume 6
Religious belief and practice have historically played a central role in shaping the development of philanthropy, charitable institutions, and a broader culture of giving in the United States and internationally. Empirical research consistently shows that people...
InsightsFaith’s Quiet Advantage: New Research on Religion and Academic Outcomes
An important report from researchers at Harvard and Brigham Young University describes ways that religious practice contributes to educational achievement. Religious activity provides a wide range of skills, knowledge, and support that help students in their...
InsightsWhy Utah should strengthen conscience protections for health care workers
State and federal law provide some protections for the conscience and religious beliefs of medical professionals, though they have been enforced unevenly. The Utah Legislature is considering a bill this week that would provide more comprehensive protections. The...