#religious-freedom

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#civil-liberties

How the Christian Right Is Hijacking America

Josh Hawley advocates a revival of Christian nationalism as a foundation for American identity, dismissing opposition as adversarial in a spiritual war.

Brampton councillors approve ban on 'nuisance demonstrations' at places of worship | CBC News

Brampton's new bylaw prohibits protests near places of worship to protect religious freedom and safety.

How the Christian Right Is Hijacking America

Josh Hawley advocates a revival of Christian nationalism as a foundation for American identity, dismissing opposition as adversarial in a spiritual war.

Brampton councillors approve ban on 'nuisance demonstrations' at places of worship | CBC News

Brampton's new bylaw prohibits protests near places of worship to protect religious freedom and safety.
morecivil-liberties
#education

Top London school's ban on prayer rituals not unlawful, high court rules

A high court judge ruled that the ban on prayer rituals at Michaela Community School in England was not unlawful.

Virginia teacher fired for refusing to use trans student's pronouns awarded $575,000

A Virginia teacher was awarded $575,000 after being fired for refusing to use a student's correct pronouns, citing religious beliefs.

Federal judge rules that Louisiana shalt not require public schools to post the Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments cannot be displayed in U.S. classrooms due to their overtly religious nature, violating constitutional principles.

A school fired an anti-trans teacher & now must pay him half a million dollars - LGBTQ Nation

Virginia school board pays $575,000 after firing a teacher for not using a trans student's pronouns, highlighting tensions between religious beliefs and LGBTQ+ rights.

CNN's Pamela Brown Battles MAGA Oklahoma Superintendent in Wild Thrown Down Over Religion in Schools

Ryan Walters is pushing for religious mandates in Oklahoma public schools, clashing with legal authority and facing opposition from multiple districts.

Teacher jailed for third time after protesting trans "ideology" at school that fired him - LGBTQ Nation

Burke's actions highlight a conflict between individual beliefs and institutional policies on gender identity and pronoun usage.
His repeated arrests reveal a deeper legal and societal debate surrounding the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and religious freedom.

Top London school's ban on prayer rituals not unlawful, high court rules

A high court judge ruled that the ban on prayer rituals at Michaela Community School in England was not unlawful.

Virginia teacher fired for refusing to use trans student's pronouns awarded $575,000

A Virginia teacher was awarded $575,000 after being fired for refusing to use a student's correct pronouns, citing religious beliefs.

Federal judge rules that Louisiana shalt not require public schools to post the Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments cannot be displayed in U.S. classrooms due to their overtly religious nature, violating constitutional principles.

A school fired an anti-trans teacher & now must pay him half a million dollars - LGBTQ Nation

Virginia school board pays $575,000 after firing a teacher for not using a trans student's pronouns, highlighting tensions between religious beliefs and LGBTQ+ rights.

CNN's Pamela Brown Battles MAGA Oklahoma Superintendent in Wild Thrown Down Over Religion in Schools

Ryan Walters is pushing for religious mandates in Oklahoma public schools, clashing with legal authority and facing opposition from multiple districts.

Teacher jailed for third time after protesting trans "ideology" at school that fired him - LGBTQ Nation

Burke's actions highlight a conflict between individual beliefs and institutional policies on gender identity and pronoun usage.
His repeated arrests reveal a deeper legal and societal debate surrounding the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and religious freedom.
moreeducation
#ten-commandments

Judge blocks Louisiana from requiring schools to display Ten Commandments

Louisiana's law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms was blocked by a federal judge for being unconstitutional.

The Countdown To Fifth Circuit Mandating Every Student Stare At The 10 Commandments Has Begun

The Louisiana law requiring display of the 10 Commandments in schools was ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge for its religious intent.

Judge Blocks Louisiana Law Requiring 10 Commandments in Every Classroom

A federal judge has blocked Louisiana's law requiring Ten Commandments displays in classrooms, citing constitutional issues and violations of students' rights.

Federal Judge Blocks Louisiana Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Classrooms

A federal judge blocked Louisiana's law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools, stating it was unconstitutional and coercive to students.

Against Ten Commandments in schools? Tell your kid not to look, governor says.

Parents who oppose Ten Commandments in schools told to have children avoid looking at them.

Judge blocks Louisiana from requiring schools to display Ten Commandments

Louisiana's law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms was blocked by a federal judge for being unconstitutional.

The Countdown To Fifth Circuit Mandating Every Student Stare At The 10 Commandments Has Begun

The Louisiana law requiring display of the 10 Commandments in schools was ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge for its religious intent.

Judge Blocks Louisiana Law Requiring 10 Commandments in Every Classroom

A federal judge has blocked Louisiana's law requiring Ten Commandments displays in classrooms, citing constitutional issues and violations of students' rights.

Federal Judge Blocks Louisiana Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Classrooms

A federal judge blocked Louisiana's law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools, stating it was unconstitutional and coercive to students.

Against Ten Commandments in schools? Tell your kid not to look, governor says.

Parents who oppose Ten Commandments in schools told to have children avoid looking at them.
moreten-commandments

Narendra Modi condemns attack on Hindu temple in Canada as tensions rise

Modi condemned the violent attack on a Hindu temple in Canada, blaming Sikh activists amidst heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Canada.
#discrimination

Ruling revives lawsuit to allow state funding for special education to go to religious schools

The 9th Circuit Court revived a lawsuit by Orthodox Jewish families over California's funding policies for special education in religious schools.

Trans woman sues ultra-conservative Liberty University for firing her after she came out - LGBTQ Nation

Transgender woman suing ultra-conservative Liberty University for sex discrimination.

Supreme Court dismisses case against baker who refused to make trans woman's cake - LGBTQ Nation

The Colorado Supreme Court dismissed a discrimination case against a baker on procedural grounds without addressing broader constitutional issues.

Republicans are circling the wagons to undo marriage equality & Justice Samuel Alito is leading the herd

Clarence Thomas calls for reconsideration of past rulings on contraception, same-sex relationships, and marriage.
Momentum building for Supreme Court to revisit Obergefell, legalized gay marriage in 50 states.

Britain's 'strictest school' faces High Court challenge over 'Muslim prayer ban'

A student is challenging a school's ban on prayer rituals, claiming it is discriminatory and violates her right to freedom of religion.
The school argues that the ban is necessary to create an inclusive environment and prevent disruption and division among students.

Muslim pupil loses UK court bid over Michaela school prayer rituals ban

Legal challenge against London school's prayer ban dismissed by court, affecting students' religious freedom.

Ruling revives lawsuit to allow state funding for special education to go to religious schools

The 9th Circuit Court revived a lawsuit by Orthodox Jewish families over California's funding policies for special education in religious schools.

Trans woman sues ultra-conservative Liberty University for firing her after she came out - LGBTQ Nation

Transgender woman suing ultra-conservative Liberty University for sex discrimination.

Supreme Court dismisses case against baker who refused to make trans woman's cake - LGBTQ Nation

The Colorado Supreme Court dismissed a discrimination case against a baker on procedural grounds without addressing broader constitutional issues.

Republicans are circling the wagons to undo marriage equality & Justice Samuel Alito is leading the herd

Clarence Thomas calls for reconsideration of past rulings on contraception, same-sex relationships, and marriage.
Momentum building for Supreme Court to revisit Obergefell, legalized gay marriage in 50 states.

Britain's 'strictest school' faces High Court challenge over 'Muslim prayer ban'

A student is challenging a school's ban on prayer rituals, claiming it is discriminatory and violates her right to freedom of religion.
The school argues that the ban is necessary to create an inclusive environment and prevent disruption and division among students.

Muslim pupil loses UK court bid over Michaela school prayer rituals ban

Legal challenge against London school's prayer ban dismissed by court, affecting students' religious freedom.
morediscrimination
#christian-nationalism

What America's history can teach us about debates on religious freedom and its importance for democracy

Debates over candidates' Christian identities overshadow the vital issue of maintaining religious freedom in American politics.

Trump courts Christian vote and says God saved me for a purpose'

Trump positions himself as a protector of Christian freedoms in the 2024 election, contrasting with a hypothetical Kamala Harris administration.

What America's history can teach us about debates on religious freedom and its importance for democracy

Debates over candidates' Christian identities overshadow the vital issue of maintaining religious freedom in American politics.

Trump courts Christian vote and says God saved me for a purpose'

Trump positions himself as a protector of Christian freedoms in the 2024 election, contrasting with a hypothetical Kamala Harris administration.
morechristian-nationalism

Texas anti-marriage equality judge refuses to drop suit against state commission

Judge Hensley is continuing her lawsuit against the state commission despite their recent withdrawal of the warning after previous judicial defeats.
#ukraine

Ukraine adopts historic' law to ban Moscow-linked Orthodox Church

Ukraine's parliament passed a law banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church linked to Moscow, aimed at national security concerns amid ongoing conflict.

Ukraine's Orthodox Church ban: Justified or not? DW 09/02/2024

Ukraine bans collaboration of religious organizations with the Russian Orthodox Church, emphasizing national autonomy and conflict motivations.

Ukraine updates: Russia says several killed in Belgorod DW 08/25/2024

Ukraine's military actions continue to impact civilians in Russia's Belgorod region, with reported fatalities prompting increased tensions between the two countries.

Ukraine cleric pleads with Starmer for help over Zelensky's Orthodox church crackdown

Keir Starmer needs to appoint a new religious freedom envoy amid growing concerns for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church's persecution by Zelensky's government.

Ukraine adopts historic' law to ban Moscow-linked Orthodox Church

Ukraine's parliament passed a law banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church linked to Moscow, aimed at national security concerns amid ongoing conflict.

Ukraine's Orthodox Church ban: Justified or not? DW 09/02/2024

Ukraine bans collaboration of religious organizations with the Russian Orthodox Church, emphasizing national autonomy and conflict motivations.

Ukraine updates: Russia says several killed in Belgorod DW 08/25/2024

Ukraine's military actions continue to impact civilians in Russia's Belgorod region, with reported fatalities prompting increased tensions between the two countries.

Ukraine cleric pleads with Starmer for help over Zelensky's Orthodox church crackdown

Keir Starmer needs to appoint a new religious freedom envoy amid growing concerns for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church's persecution by Zelensky's government.
moreukraine
#abortion-rights

Trump judge rules for Catholic employers who want right to discriminate based on abortion & IVF - LGBTQ Nation

A North Dakota judge ruled against EEOC regulations on abortion and LGBTQ+ issues, citing First Amendment concerns for religious employers.

The Satanic Temple is taking on the Christian right. It may be effective it's definitely fun | Arwa Mahdawi

The Satanic Temple fights for freedom from religious oppression, opposing anti-abortion measures with legal and tactical strategies.

Trump judge rules for Catholic employers who want right to discriminate based on abortion & IVF - LGBTQ Nation

A North Dakota judge ruled against EEOC regulations on abortion and LGBTQ+ issues, citing First Amendment concerns for religious employers.

The Satanic Temple is taking on the Christian right. It may be effective it's definitely fun | Arwa Mahdawi

The Satanic Temple fights for freedom from religious oppression, opposing anti-abortion measures with legal and tactical strategies.
moreabortion-rights
#hate-crime

Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime for Vandalizing Rutgers Islamic Center

A New Jersey man pleaded guilty to breaking into an Islamic center, committing a federal hate crime fueled by Islamophobia.

US man pleads guilty to trashing Islamic centre at New Jersey university

Jacob Beacher pleaded guilty to vandalizing an Islamic student center during Eid al-Fitr, highlighting a troubling rise in hate crimes.

Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime for Vandalizing Rutgers Islamic Center

A New Jersey man pleaded guilty to breaking into an Islamic center, committing a federal hate crime fueled by Islamophobia.

US man pleads guilty to trashing Islamic centre at New Jersey university

Jacob Beacher pleaded guilty to vandalizing an Islamic student center during Eid al-Fitr, highlighting a troubling rise in hate crimes.
morehate-crime
#supreme-court

Colorado to pay $1.5M to settle anti-marriage equality 303 Creative SCOTUS case

Colorado to pay $1.5 million in fees after Supreme Court ruling favoring a web designer's refusal to cater to a same-sex couple.

Insurance coverage for preventive care at risk unless Supreme Court acts, cert petition says

The U.S. Supreme Court may reverse a ruling threatening free preventive care services, impacting millions of Americans benefiting from the Affordable Care Act.

Colorado to pay $1.5M to settle anti-marriage equality 303 Creative SCOTUS case

Colorado to pay $1.5 million in fees after Supreme Court ruling favoring a web designer's refusal to cater to a same-sex couple.

Insurance coverage for preventive care at risk unless Supreme Court acts, cert petition says

The U.S. Supreme Court may reverse a ruling threatening free preventive care services, impacting millions of Americans benefiting from the Affordable Care Act.
moresupreme-court

Medieval Religious Order Might Be the Next European State - Medievalists.net

Albania may create a microstate for the Bektashi Order, enhancing its historical presence and religious practices.

Judge Rules Catholic Employers Can Deny Workers Time Off for Reproductive Care

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act provides necessary protections for workers needing accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions, but faces challenges regarding religious freedoms.

Zelensky demands UK extradites political opponent in Ukraine Orthodox Church row

Artem Dmytruk claims Ukraine's extradition request is politically motivated and part of broader oppression against dissent related to religion.
#new-york-city

Exclusive | Orthodox Jews trash NYC Sanitation Department over garbage drop-off rules they say conflict with sabbath

New garbage collection rules in NYC are seen as infringing on the religious practices of Orthodox Jews, particularly concerning the Sabbath.

Goth vandals seen in bizarre footage damaging NYC church's crucifix, stained-glass window

A group of individuals, possibly teens or young adults wearing dark clothing, vandalized St. Columba's Church in Brooklyn.
The vandals damaged a crucifix and a stained glass window at the church.
The increase in hate crimes against houses of worship in New York City is a concerning trend.

Exclusive | Orthodox Jews trash NYC Sanitation Department over garbage drop-off rules they say conflict with sabbath

New garbage collection rules in NYC are seen as infringing on the religious practices of Orthodox Jews, particularly concerning the Sabbath.

Goth vandals seen in bizarre footage damaging NYC church's crucifix, stained-glass window

A group of individuals, possibly teens or young adults wearing dark clothing, vandalized St. Columba's Church in Brooklyn.
The vandals damaged a crucifix and a stained glass window at the church.
The increase in hate crimes against houses of worship in New York City is a concerning trend.
morenew-york-city

Video. Combating religious intolerance in Rio

Religious intolerance in Brazil is rising despite constitutional protections, especially towards Afro-Brazilian religions, evidenced by increased complaints and violent acts.
#human-rights

China frees American pastor after 18 years in detention

A U.S. pastor imprisoned in China for 18 years has been released and reunited with family after being considered wrongfully detained.

China frees U.S. pastor after nearly two decades, State Department says

David Lin, a pastor imprisoned in China for nearly 20 years, has been released and returned to the U.S., underscoring ongoing human rights concerns.

China Frees American Pastor After Nearly 20 Years in Prison

David Lin's unexpected release after nearly 20 years in China signifies ongoing diplomatic tensions and human rights concerns.

Opinion: Russian Jehovah's Witnesses remain devout despite facing bans

Vladimir Putin secures 87% of the vote in Russia to extend his power.
Russian Jehovah's Witnesses facing increased persecution and imprisonment.

China frees American pastor after 18 years in detention

A U.S. pastor imprisoned in China for 18 years has been released and reunited with family after being considered wrongfully detained.

China frees U.S. pastor after nearly two decades, State Department says

David Lin, a pastor imprisoned in China for nearly 20 years, has been released and returned to the U.S., underscoring ongoing human rights concerns.

China Frees American Pastor After Nearly 20 Years in Prison

David Lin's unexpected release after nearly 20 years in China signifies ongoing diplomatic tensions and human rights concerns.

Opinion: Russian Jehovah's Witnesses remain devout despite facing bans

Vladimir Putin secures 87% of the vote in Russia to extend his power.
Russian Jehovah's Witnesses facing increased persecution and imprisonment.
morehuman-rights
#pope-francis

Opinion: Pope Francis' Asia-Pacific trip was really all about China

Pope Francis's Asia-Pacific tour is a precursor for a possible visit to China, aiming to engage with Chinese Catholics amidst complex political relations.

Pope opens Asia odyssey in Indonesia to rally Catholics, hail religious tolerance

Pope Francis promotes interfaith harmony in Indonesia, emphasizing peace and engagement with diverse faith communities during his 11-day visit.

Opinion: Pope Francis' Asia-Pacific trip was really all about China

Pope Francis's Asia-Pacific tour is a precursor for a possible visit to China, aiming to engage with Chinese Catholics amidst complex political relations.

Pope opens Asia odyssey in Indonesia to rally Catholics, hail religious tolerance

Pope Francis promotes interfaith harmony in Indonesia, emphasizing peace and engagement with diverse faith communities during his 11-day visit.
morepope-francis

Brampton hospital to review shaving of elderly Sikh patient after complaint | CBC News

A hospital in Ontario is reviewing an incident involving the unauthorized shaving of a Sikh patient, highlighting concerns around patient consent and religious rights.

People forced by NYPD to remove religious head covering could get settlement

The NYPD may settle a lawsuit for individuals forced to remove religious head coverings during arrests, possibly providing payments of over $7,824.
#extremism

Germany bans Muslim group citing extremism', ties to Iran and Hezbollah

Germany has outlawed the Islamic Center Hamburg for promoting Islamist-extremist ideology and supporting Iran and Hezbollah.

Struggling to Stem Extremism, Tajikistan Hunts Beards and Head Scarves

Tajikistan is witnessing extreme government measures against religious expressions, exacerbating existing grievances among its predominantly Muslim population.

Germany bans Muslim group citing extremism', ties to Iran and Hezbollah

Germany has outlawed the Islamic Center Hamburg for promoting Islamist-extremist ideology and supporting Iran and Hezbollah.

Struggling to Stem Extremism, Tajikistan Hunts Beards and Head Scarves

Tajikistan is witnessing extreme government measures against religious expressions, exacerbating existing grievances among its predominantly Muslim population.
moreextremism
#lgbtq-rights

School officials all over Oklahoma are defying GOP directive to teach the Bible in class - LGBTQ Nation

Oklahoma school superintendents oppose mandated Bible curriculum in public schools.

Conservative Christians are trying to use Kim Davis's case to overturn marriage equality - LGBTQ Nation

Liberty Counsel filed a brief for Kim Davis to challenge marriage equality.

Queer Christians Respond To Jeff Sessions' New 'License To Discriminate'

The Trump administration is prioritizing conservative Christian beliefs, threatening the rights of LGBTQ individuals.

School officials all over Oklahoma are defying GOP directive to teach the Bible in class - LGBTQ Nation

Oklahoma school superintendents oppose mandated Bible curriculum in public schools.

Conservative Christians are trying to use Kim Davis's case to overturn marriage equality - LGBTQ Nation

Liberty Counsel filed a brief for Kim Davis to challenge marriage equality.

Queer Christians Respond To Jeff Sessions' New 'License To Discriminate'

The Trump administration is prioritizing conservative Christian beliefs, threatening the rights of LGBTQ individuals.
morelgbtq-rights

Decoding China: The Vatican's difficult diplomacy DW 08/30/2024

The Vatican and China have a complex relationship regarding Catholicism, balancing state control and religious authority.
#trump

Sanctuary and Religious Freedom

Trump's likely re-election raises moral questions about sanctuary for immigrants, emphasizing the role of religious institutions in protecting vulnerable individuals.

Trump Exploits Anti-Trans Easter Outrage By Proclaiming Election Day Will Be Christian Visibility Day'

Former President Trump baselessly attacks Biden over Transgender Visibility Day coinciding with Easter.
Conservatives criticize Biden's recognition of Transgender Visibility Day as an attack on religion.

Not to be outdone by Trans Day of Visibility, Trump weirdly declares 'Christian Visibility Day'

Debate sparked over Election Day as 'Christian Visibility Day'
Trump's declaration triggers national conversation on religion in politics

Sanctuary and Religious Freedom

Trump's likely re-election raises moral questions about sanctuary for immigrants, emphasizing the role of religious institutions in protecting vulnerable individuals.

Trump Exploits Anti-Trans Easter Outrage By Proclaiming Election Day Will Be Christian Visibility Day'

Former President Trump baselessly attacks Biden over Transgender Visibility Day coinciding with Easter.
Conservatives criticize Biden's recognition of Transgender Visibility Day as an attack on religion.

Not to be outdone by Trans Day of Visibility, Trump weirdly declares 'Christian Visibility Day'

Debate sparked over Election Day as 'Christian Visibility Day'
Trump's declaration triggers national conversation on religion in politics
moretrump

Queer Christians Respond To Jeff Sessions' New 'License To Discriminate'

The Trump administration is prioritizing conservative Christian beliefs, threatening the rights of LGBTQ individuals.

Nicaragua Shutters 1,500 Nonprofit Groups, Many of Them Churches

The Nicaraguan government has intensified its crackdown on nonprofit organizations, including evangelical churches, as part of a broader authoritarian strategy.

Judge orders UCLA to ensure equal campus access to Jewish students after pro-Palestinian protests

U.S. District Judge orders UCLA to ensure equal access for Jewish students after lawsuit over campus exclusion during protests.
#donald-trump

Trump tells Christian voters they 'won't have to vote anymore' if he's elected

Former President Donald Trump addressed Christians at Turning Point Action's Believers Summit, promising to protect religious freedom and support the Israeli government.

No, America Doesn't Need a MAGA 'Day of Christian Visibility'

Republicans twisted Biden's support for Transgender Day of Visibility as an attack on Easter.
Trump proposed 'Christian visibility day' in response, invoking animosity towards recognition of transgender rights.

Trump tells Christian voters they 'won't have to vote anymore' if he's elected

Former President Donald Trump addressed Christians at Turning Point Action's Believers Summit, promising to protect religious freedom and support the Israeli government.

No, America Doesn't Need a MAGA 'Day of Christian Visibility'

Republicans twisted Biden's support for Transgender Day of Visibility as an attack on Easter.
Trump proposed 'Christian visibility day' in response, invoking animosity towards recognition of transgender rights.
moredonald-trump

18 GOP AGs are trying to help a Christian teacher fired for refusing to respect trans students - LGBTQ Nation

Republican attorneys general support former teacher's religious freedom case.

Paris Olympics: France's hijab ban for athletes shows its struggle to balance religious freedom with national values

The debate over allowing female Muslim athletes to wear a headscarf at the 2024 Paris Olympics highlights the conflict between religious expression and France's principle of laïcité.

France is proud of its secularism. But struggles grow in this approach to faith, school, integration

France's approach to secularism (laicite) is stirring controversy, particularly in regards to the ban on hijabs for athletes at the Paris Olympics.

France is proud of its secularism. But struggles grow in this approach to faith, school, integration

France's approach to secularism is stirring controversy by banning visible signs of faith in public spaces, impacting the integration of its Muslim population.

New York's high court upholds requiring insurance to cover medically necessary abortions

New York's highest court upholds requirement for health insurance plans to cover medically necessary abortions.

His Dreadlocks Shaved by Prison Guards, Rastafarian Man Turns to Supreme Court

Rastafarian inmate's dreadlocks shaved in prison despite religious rights protection.

A Catholic school fired a teacher just for being gay. An appeals court just agreed with the school.

The court of appeals ruled in favor of a Catholic school's right to fire a teacher for marrying another man, citing religious freedom and the ministerial exception.

LGBTQ+ foster kids just got some help from the Biden administration

Biden administration implements rule to protect LGBTQ+ youth in foster care with designated placements and anti-harassment measures.

Being Jewish 'never provocative', says Home Office amid policing row

Being Jewish should never be provocative, emphasized by the Government post a policing dispute at a pro-Palestine march.

Experts divided over implications of prayer ban ruling at London school

The ruling on a prayer ban at a London school may lead to more schools banning organized prayers, sparking debates on religious freedom and inclusivity.
#religious-discrimination

Ruling due in Muslim student's High Court challenge against prayer ban' at north London school

A Muslim student challenged Michaela Community School over a prayer ban on religious grounds.

Feds say California's facial hair ban for prison guards amounts to religious discrimination

California's rule requiring prison guards to be clean-shaven is seen as religious discrimination by the federal government, impacting Sikhs, Muslims, and other religious groups.
The U.S. Justice Department is seeking a temporary court order to allow officers to wear beards while accommodating religious practices and complying with safety regulations.

Ruling due in Muslim student's High Court challenge against prayer ban' at north London school

A Muslim student challenged Michaela Community School over a prayer ban on religious grounds.

Feds say California's facial hair ban for prison guards amounts to religious discrimination

California's rule requiring prison guards to be clean-shaven is seen as religious discrimination by the federal government, impacting Sikhs, Muslims, and other religious groups.
The U.S. Justice Department is seeking a temporary court order to allow officers to wear beards while accommodating religious practices and complying with safety regulations.
morereligious-discrimination

Vatican complains after French court rules in favor of nun dismissed from religious order

The Holy See protested a French court ruling on nun's dismissal, emphasizing the violation of religious freedom.

You'll Never Guess Which State Court Just Approved Religious Exemptions From Abortion Bans

The Indiana Court of Appeals granted a preliminary injunction to a group of religious plaintiffs against the state's near-total abortion ban.
The plaintiffs argued that the ban violated the state's Religious Freedom Restoration Act by restricting their ability to terminate pregnancies based on sincere religious beliefs.

Watching The Message during Ramadan

The impact of Moustapha Akkad's film about the early history of Islam continues to resonate today.
The release of the film 'The Message' was a landmark event for Bosnian Muslims living under communism, marking the return of religion to public life.

Prisoners Who Sued Over Lockdown Will Be Allowed to View Solar Eclipse

New York State's corrections department allowed inmates to view the solar eclipse at a prison where they are held.
The inmates filed a lawsuit arguing that the prison lockdown during the eclipse violated their constitutional right to practice their religion.
#legislation

Putting chaplains in public school is the latest battle in culture wars

Efforts in conservative states to introduce chaplains in public schools are being coordinated with the aim of converting people to Christianity.
Bills to introduce chaplains in public schools are gaining traction in multiple states, influenced by a law passed in Texas.

New Law Allowing Religion into Science Classrooms Is Dangerous for Everyone

Separation of church and state is crucial to protect religious freedom and scientific education in public schools.
Legislation like West Virginia's SB 280 aims to introduce religiously motivated alternatives to scientific theories despite lack of necessity.

Putting chaplains in public school is the latest battle in culture wars

Efforts in conservative states to introduce chaplains in public schools are being coordinated with the aim of converting people to Christianity.
Bills to introduce chaplains in public schools are gaining traction in multiple states, influenced by a law passed in Texas.

New Law Allowing Religion into Science Classrooms Is Dangerous for Everyone

Separation of church and state is crucial to protect religious freedom and scientific education in public schools.
Legislation like West Virginia's SB 280 aims to introduce religiously motivated alternatives to scientific theories despite lack of necessity.
morelegislation

Trump campaign decries Biden's 'blasphemous' Easter celebration of trans people

President Biden's separate messages for Trans Day of Visibility and Easter Sunday sparked controversy.
The Trump administration criticized Biden's recognition of Trans Day of Visibility alongside Easter Sunday, calling it an 'assault on the Christian faith.'

David Archuleta's latest power ballad, Kossisko's disco throwback, Rico Nasty & Boys Noize are feeling "H.O.T."

Queer artists releasing phenomenal new music deserve attention and a spin on playlists.
The music landscape is getting diverse with impactful songs addressing relevant topics like open relationships and leaving religious confines.

Feds take California prison agency to court for requiring Sikh guards to shave beards

Federal civil rights attorneys seek to protect guards' religious rights in California prisons.
U.S. Department of Justice urges California prison agency to find alternative accommodation for guards' facial hair bans.

Tennessee Republicans introduce religious exemption bill protecting anti-LGBTQ+ foster parents

Legislation in Tennessee allowing anti-LGBTQ+ parents to foster/adopt children
Concerns about LGBTQ+ children being placed with non-accepting parents

California bill would offer motorcyclists religious exemptions from wearing helmets

Assembly Bill 2392 proposes exempting turban-wearing Sikh motorcyclists in California from wearing helmets.
California's helmet law for motorcyclists was passed in the 1990s but some argue it violates the right to religious freedom for Sikhs.

The French Algerians moving to Algeria seeking freedom, opportunity'

Some Muslim French people are leaving France in search of more religious freedom.
Muslim women in France have faced harassment for their choice of attire.

Pastor Faces Charges For Giving The Homeless A Place To Sleep

Religious freedom does not exempt churches from zoning laws
Church pastor facing criminal charges for allowing homeless people to take refuge in his church

Mississippi Is Now Home To America's Most Anti-LGBTQ Law. Here's Why My Family Still Won't Leave.

The author expresses their disbelief and anger at the government's laws against them in Mississippi.
They question how people can claim to be Christian while condoning cruelty and ignoring the teachings of Jesus.

Protesting Against Religious Liberty

Tim Carney criticizes atheists for fighting to curtail the free exercise of religion.
Carney argues that after-school Satan clubs are a form of protest against the free exercise of religion.

Daughter of hate group's preacher settles with school district over 'Homosexuality is a sin' shirt

A former high school student in Tennessee settled with the school district for wearing a shirt that read 'homosexuality is a sin' for $101 and legal fees.
The student and her father, a self-described street preacher, viewed the settlement as a victory for free speech and religious freedom.

Virginia Supreme Court rules in favor of transphobic teacher

Virginia's Supreme Court has overturned a lower court ruling against a former teacher who refused to use a transgender person's pronouns.
The higher court's ruling allows the continuation of his lawsuit against the school board that fired him.

Conservatives Condemn Iowa Republicans for Allowing Satanic Altar in State Capitol

A Satanic altar was erected in the Iowa State Capitol by the Satanic Temple of Iowa, causing controversy and backlash from conservatives.
Governor Kim Reynolds received criticism for not removing the altar and state Republican officials faced backlash for justifying its inclusion.
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