Utahns are aligned in support for religious freedom but diverge on level of legal protection, new Sutherland report says

Written by Sutherland Institute

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July 23, 2024

SALT LAKE CITY (July 23, 2024) – Today, Sutherland Institute released two new publications profiling support for religious freedom and its connection to civil liberties in America’s history.

The new Sutherland/Y2 Analytics survey found strong support for religious freedom among Utah likely voters, with differing views on the level of legal protection.

Highlights from the survey:

82% of likely voters in Utah believe that religious freedom is a net positive for society.
Only 49% believe religious freedom is protected the right amount, while 31% believe it is not protected enough.
48% of liberals believe religious freedom is too protected, while only 3% of conservatives share that view.
While 67% of likely voters in Utah who identify as strongly liberal believe religious freedom is a net positive for society, 48% of liberals believe that religious protections are too strong.
Level of religiosity correlates strongly with views on the benefits of and legal protections for religious freedom.

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In Sutherland’s latest research publication, Constitutional Law and Religious Freedom Fellow William C. Duncan highlights the strong connection between religious freedom and other civil liberties throughout American history.

Highlights from the report:

Religious motivations played a crucial role in the fight for American independence.
Many efforts to abolish slavery were deeply tied to faith.
Religious groups play an important role in fostering civic responsibility – including voting – among the public.