Written by Don ByrdOhio state representatives have proposed a version of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. If adopted, it would make Ohio the 18th state with such a law. Generally, RFRA statutes (which have some small but significant variations from state to state) allow government to substantially burden a person’s religion only if a compelling reason requires it.The idea is to protect citizens from the neutral laws of the state that happen to impact their faith.
Written by Don ByrdVia Religion Clause, a refendum on a proposed constitution in Egypt is expected to be held in January. An early draft being reviewed by the interim President has been analyzed by the blog Egypt Source. Howard Friedman’s Religion Clause has provided some edited excerpts from that analysis. Here’s just a small piece from Religion Clause…
Written by Don ByrdToday is Giving Tuesday (#GivingTuesday), a day reserved for giving back to those organizations and causes you truly care about. I am using the blog space today to tell my story – why I support the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty and I encourage everyone to share your own story with friends and family through Facebook, Twitter, or wherever else you socialize.
Written by Don ByrdJust a week after deciding to take up religious liberty challenges to the contraception coverage requirement in the Affordable Care Act, the U.S. Supreme Court today declined to hear a broad challenge on religious liberty (and other) grounds to the employer mandate in the law. The move leaves the 4th Circuit’s ruling in place holding that the employer mandate to provide health care coverage does not violate the religious liberty of plaintiff Liberty University.
Written by Don ByrdWhen did the hysteria over the “War on Christmas” finally go far? Was it when Sarah Palin wrote an entire book about it? I’m not sure, but many from all political angles are agreeing that one’s religious liberty isn’t at stake just because a store greeter respectfully wishes “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” Likewise, a holiday display at the county courthouse that lacks a nativity scene isn’t out to restrict or belittle Christianity.
As the Tennessean points out, a Christian blogger has stirred the pot with this helpful flowchart to let you know if you have been persecuted. (hint: if someone wished you happy holidays, you haven’t been). And there are other signs of widespread sanity on this issue.
Written by Don ByrdThe Rankin County School District in Mississippi was home to numerous religious assemblies at which students were proselytized by representatives of a local Baptist church, according to a lawsuit filed earlier this year by the American Humanist Association. In my post back in April after reading the complaint, I wrote: “The lawsuit alleges disturbing details.” After reading it again, I’m still disturbed!
This week, a settlement was reached in the case in which the school district admitted violating the student plaintiff’s religious liberty rights and agreed to a new policy that bars future similar events.
Faith.
Freedom.
For All.
The targeting of religious minorities.
The rise of Christian nationalism.
The politicization of houses of worship.
BJC brings people together to tackle today’s serious threats to religious liberty.
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Faith.
Freedom.
For All.
The targeting of religious minorities.
The rise of Christian nationalism.
The politicization of houses of worship.
BJC brings people together to tackle today’s serious threats to religious liberty.