Report: Bible Courses in Texas a Missed Opportunity

Written by Don Byrd
In a report published by the Texas Freedom Network, SMU Religious Studies Professor Mark Chancey reviewed bible courses being taught in public schools across the state, pursuant to a law passed in 2007. Today’s Houston Chronicle includes an op-ed in which Chancey summarizes his finding, lamenting that “Texas had the opportunity to be a national leader in teaching about the Bible in the right way, but we failed to do it.”

Hobby Lobby Asks For Expedited Appeal

Written by Don Byrd
One of the most outspoken plaintiffs challenging the contraceptive mandate on religious liberty grounds is asking the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals to hear its case and rule by July 1, before fines begin to pile up.

South Carolina School Official Fights Back Against Prayer Accusation

Written by Don Byrd
Here’s a great way to end a Friday. Just read this. When Pickens County (SC) school superintendent Dr. Kelly Pew supported a sensible, responsible change in the Board’s invocation policy in opening its monthly meetings, she got slammed from the expected corners of the Religious Right. How many times have we seen elected officials make the right decision in a church-state matter, only to back down once political pressure begins to mount? Here, instead of shriveling to the inaccurate charges that she was removing prayer from schools, Dr. Pew is smartly defending her view instead.

Campus Religious Group Bill Moving Through Idaho Legislature

Written by Don Byrd
Idaho has joined the growing list of states concerned about religious affiliation policies on university campuses. A bill that protects the right of religious organizations to determine membership based on religious belief and affiliation passed the State Senate yesterday 30-5. Concern that Boise State University was implementing an all-comers policy – requiring all groups to allow all interested students as members – seems to have led to this legislative effort.

Amendment Adds “Substantial” Requirement to Kentucky RFRA Bill [UPDATED]

Written by Don Byrd
According to the Kentucky Legislature website (and LegiScan), a religious freedom bill that recently passed the House was passed with Floor Amendment 2, which added one important word to the legislation: “substantial.” The version that came out of committee required a compelling government interest for any burden on religious exercise. Amendment 2 changed that, leaving that high level of scrutiny only for “substantial burdens” on religious exercise.