#religious-freedom
#religious-freedom

Georgia governor signs religious liberty law, worrying LGBTQ+ advocates who say it'll allow discrimination

The Restoration of Freedom Act may allow discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals under the pretext of protecting religious freedom.

Miscellaneous

Court rules against antigay bakery in California

A California appeals court upheld that a baker violated a gay couple's rights by refusing to make their wedding cake on religious grounds.

LGBT

ACLU and LGBTQ+ groups defend Maryland schools' LGBTQ+ curriculum in Supreme Court filing

SF LGBT

Georgia GOP looks to pass religious freedom bill that advocates say will harm marginalized groups

The troubling anti-LGBTQ+ history of a conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate

Brad Schimel indicates he may enforce a ban on same-sex marriage if Obergefell v. Hodges is overturned.

LGBT

What are 'Religious Freedom' laws, and how are they used against LGBTQ+ people?

Religious freedom often infringes on LGBTQ+ rights, indicating a need for stronger protections.

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act creates legal grounds for religious exemptions that can harm marginalized communities.

LGBT

Georgia governor signs religious liberty law, worrying LGBTQ+ advocates who say it'll allow discrimination

The Restoration of Freedom Act may allow discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals under the pretext of protecting religious freedom.

Miscellaneous

Court rules against antigay bakery in California

A California appeals court upheld that a baker violated a gay couple's rights by refusing to make their wedding cake on religious grounds.

LGBT

ACLU and LGBTQ+ groups defend Maryland schools' LGBTQ+ curriculum in Supreme Court filing

#workplace-discrimination

SF LGBT

Georgia GOP looks to pass religious freedom bill that advocates say will harm marginalized groups

more#lgbtq-rights

fromSlate Magazine

Why the Supreme Court's Liberal Justices Are Playing So Nice Right Now

The Supreme Court's recent unanimous rulings by liberal justices mark significant shifts in workplace discrimination, religious freedom, and gun company liabilities.

Women

Wisconsin man fired for refusing to use preferred pronouns appeals to Trump administration

fromSlate Magazine

Why the Supreme Court's Liberal Justices Are Playing So Nice Right Now

The Supreme Court's recent unanimous rulings by liberal justices mark significant shifts in workplace discrimination, religious freedom, and gun company liabilities.

more#workplace-discrimination

Women

Wisconsin man fired for refusing to use preferred pronouns appeals to Trump administration

Homeless man, 49, leaves trail of destruction in spree targeting NYC Buddhist, Taoist temples: cops

A man vandalized multiple Buddhist and Taoist temples in Lower Manhattan, leading to hate crime charges.

Paris probes antisemitic vandalism targeting synagogues and a Holocaust memorial

Paris authorities investigate vandalism at Jewish sites, highlighting increasing tensions ahead of the Shavuot holiday.

NYC LGBT

Homeless man, 49, leaves trail of destruction in spree targeting NYC Buddhist, Taoist temples: cops

A man vandalized multiple Buddhist and Taoist temples in Lower Manhattan, leading to hate crime charges.

Paris probes antisemitic vandalism targeting synagogues and a Holocaust memorial

Paris authorities investigate vandalism at Jewish sites, highlighting increasing tensions ahead of the Shavuot holiday.

Bilingual, Educated, Qualified-and Still Not Welcome in Quebec | The Walrus

Bill 21 limits religious symbols for certain public servants, impacting individuals like Nour Farhat who wear hijabs and oppose the law's implications.

#protests

fromCity Limits

NYC LGBT

Opinion: The NYPD's Troubling Practice of Removing Women's Hijabs at Protests

Black Lives Matter

FBI to probe claims of 'targeted violence' against religious groups after evangelicals' protest in Seattle

fromCity Limits

NYC LGBT

Opinion: The NYPD's Troubling Practice of Removing Women's Hijabs at Protests

Black Lives Matter

FBI to probe claims of 'targeted violence' against religious groups after evangelicals' protest in Seattle

more#protests

fromThe Washington Post

Texas close to requiring Ten Commandments in public school classrooms

"There's no doubt about the historical and cultural foundations and the significance of the Ten Commandments for our heritage and systems of law," said Thomas Saenz, president and attorney for Texas Values, a Christian legal and policy advocacy group supporting the measure.

US news

Is a faith-based charter school a threat to religious freedom, or a necessity to uphold it? The weighty decision lies with the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is deliberating on Oklahoma's first faith-based charter school, balancing First Amendment rights and public funding implications.

fromBoston.com

4 weeks ago

Supreme Court tie vote dooms taxpayer funded Catholic charter school

The Supreme Court's tie on a Catholic charter school case leaves critical issues unresolved nationally.

US supreme court weighs efforts to exempt elementary schoolers from LGBTQ+ books

The US Supreme Court is reviewing a case where Maryland parents seek to keep children from LGBTQ+ storybooks, arguing it violates religious freedom.

Religion in Schools

The Supreme Court is increasingly favoring religious freedom claims, especially in education cases, marking a significant trend in rulings over the past decade.

fromThe New Yorker

Is This the End of the Separation of Church and State?

The separation of church and state is increasingly blurred, illustrated by the Supreme Court's ruling favoring religious institutions in funding disputes.

Healthcare

Supreme Court Wrestles With Challenge to Affordable Care Act Over Free Preventive Care

The Supreme Court is divided over the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act's mandate for free preventive care.

philosophy

fromThe Conversation

Is a faith-based charter school a threat to religious freedom, or a necessity to uphold it? The weighty decision lies with the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is deliberating on Oklahoma's first faith-based charter school, balancing First Amendment rights and public funding implications.

fromBoston.com

4 weeks ago

Supreme Court tie vote dooms taxpayer funded Catholic charter school

The Supreme Court's tie on a Catholic charter school case leaves critical issues unresolved nationally.

US supreme court weighs efforts to exempt elementary schoolers from LGBTQ+ books

The US Supreme Court is reviewing a case where Maryland parents seek to keep children from LGBTQ+ storybooks, arguing it violates religious freedom.

Religion in Schools

The Supreme Court is increasingly favoring religious freedom claims, especially in education cases, marking a significant trend in rulings over the past decade.

fromThe New Yorker

Is This the End of the Separation of Church and State?

The separation of church and state is increasingly blurred, illustrated by the Supreme Court's ruling favoring religious institutions in funding disputes.

Healthcare

Supreme Court Wrestles With Challenge to Affordable Care Act Over Free Preventive Care

The Supreme Court is divided over the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act's mandate for free preventive care.

more#supreme-court

Denmark: Trial for Quran burning kicks off in Bornholm DW 05/08/2025

The trial beginning this Friday marks the first instance of two individuals facing charges under Denmark's new law against the "inappropriate treatment" of religious scriptures.

Germany news

Catholic Church vows to excommunicate priests who follow new Washington state law requiring them report confessions to cops

The Catholic Church will excommunicate priests who report child abuse heard in confession due to a new Washington state law.

fromenglish.elpais.com

Right-wing politics

No freedom of movement, supervised sermons and no prayers for Nicaragua: How the Ortega-Murillo regime controls its priests

Catholic Church vows to excommunicate priests who follow new Washington state law requiring them report confessions to cops

The Catholic Church will excommunicate priests who report child abuse heard in confession due to a new Washington state law.

fromenglish.elpais.com

Right-wing politics

No freedom of movement, supervised sermons and no prayers for Nicaragua: How the Ortega-Murillo regime controls its priests

Kim Davis, who denied same-sex couples marriage licenses, will appeal case to Supreme Court

Kim Davis continues to appeal her refusal to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, now seeking a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court.

EXPLAINED: Does France really have a hijab ban?

France allows hijabs in public, but has restrictions on where they can be worn, particularly in schools and by public officials.

French authorities double down on discriminatory' hijab ban in sport

Amnesty International condemns a proposed French bill banning religious clothing in sports as discriminatory to religious freedom.

French lawmakers debate ban on religious clothing in sports

The proposed ban on religious clothing in sports has sparked controversy over its potential to disproportionately affect Muslim women.

Europe politics

How European countries see religious symbols in public office

Berlin's proposal to abolish its Neutrality Act reignites debates on religious freedom and secularism in public life.

fromThe Local France

2 years ago

EXPLAINED: Does France really have a hijab ban?

France allows hijabs in public, but has restrictions on where they can be worn, particularly in schools and by public officials.

French authorities double down on discriminatory' hijab ban in sport

Amnesty International condemns a proposed French bill banning religious clothing in sports as discriminatory to religious freedom.

French lawmakers debate ban on religious clothing in sports

The proposed ban on religious clothing in sports has sparked controversy over its potential to disproportionately affect Muslim women.

Europe politics

How European countries see religious symbols in public office

Berlin's proposal to abolish its Neutrality Act reignites debates on religious freedom and secularism in public life.

more#secularism

#immigration

fromwww.mercurynews.com

Judge blocks Trump immigration policy allowing arrests in churches for some religious groups

A federal judge has blocked immigration enforcement in houses of worship, citing potential violations of religious freedom amid a legal challenge.

The ruling impacts various religious groups opposing the Trump administration's immigration policies.

fromwww.mediaite.com

Judge Blocks Trump Adminstartion's Unlawful and Harmful' Immigration Raids at Houses of Worship

A federal judge ruled against immigration raids at houses of worship, affirming religious liberties for groups like Sikhs, Quakers, and Baptists.

fromwww.npr.org

These churches offer shelter and sanctuary to vulnerable migrants. Here's why

Rev. Jim Rigby is preparing for potential immigration raids on his church, highlighting the impact of policy changes on religious freedom and asylum seekers.

Black Lives Matter

fromMiami Herald

First Amendment lawsuit targets immigration detentions in places of worship

Churches are suing the Trump administration over immigration enforcement in places of worship, claiming it violates their First Amendment rights.

fromwww.mercurynews.com

Judge blocks Trump immigration policy allowing arrests in churches for some religious groups

A federal judge has blocked immigration enforcement in houses of worship, citing potential violations of religious freedom amid a legal challenge.

The ruling impacts various religious groups opposing the Trump administration's immigration policies.

fromwww.mediaite.com

Judge Blocks Trump Adminstartion's Unlawful and Harmful' Immigration Raids at Houses of Worship

A federal judge ruled against immigration raids at houses of worship, affirming religious liberties for groups like Sikhs, Quakers, and Baptists.

fromwww.npr.org

These churches offer shelter and sanctuary to vulnerable migrants. Here's why

Rev. Jim Rigby is preparing for potential immigration raids on his church, highlighting the impact of policy changes on religious freedom and asylum seekers.

Black Lives Matter

fromMiami Herald

First Amendment lawsuit targets immigration detentions in places of worship

Churches are suing the Trump administration over immigration enforcement in places of worship, claiming it violates their First Amendment rights.

more#immigration

#islamophobia

Italian police arrest French suspect in anti-Muslim' mosque murder

Islamophobic stabbing in France condemned as hate crime; suspect arrested in Italy.

French authorities emphasize the need to combat religious hatred.

Suspect in France mosque attack that killed Malian man on the run

The attack on a Muslim man in France has sparked widespread outcry and calls for justice against Islamophobia.

Left-wing politics

UN chief calls for global action against rising anti-Muslim bigotry'

Guterres calls for global action against rising anti-Muslim bigotry for religious freedom.

Italian police arrest French suspect in anti-Muslim' mosque murder

Islamophobic stabbing in France condemned as hate crime; suspect arrested in Italy.

French authorities emphasize the need to combat religious hatred.

Suspect in France mosque attack that killed Malian man on the run

The attack on a Muslim man in France has sparked widespread outcry and calls for justice against Islamophobia.

Left-wing politics

UN chief calls for global action against rising anti-Muslim bigotry'

Guterres calls for global action against rising anti-Muslim bigotry for religious freedom.

S.C. attorney general tells state's capital city to drop its conversion therapy ban

South Carolina's attorney general seeks to overturn Columbia's ban on conversion therapy, citing violations of state law and religious rights for counselors.

Judge blocks Trump immigration policy allowing arrests in churches for some religious groups

Immigration enforcement at houses of worship could violate religious freedom, leading to a preliminary injunction blocking such actions during ongoing legal challenges.

Judge Blocks Immigration Raids in Certain Places of Worship

A federal judge temporarily halted immigration enforcement near places of worship, echoing concerns about the Trump administration's policy shift.

JD Vance had exchange of opinions' with senior cardinal, Vatican says

The US Vice President discussed international conflicts and immigration with Vatican officials, amid concerns over administration policies.

fromABC7 Los Angeles

Judge blocks Trump immigration policy allowing arrests in churches for some religious groups

Immigration enforcement at houses of worship could violate religious freedom, leading to a preliminary injunction blocking such actions during ongoing legal challenges.

Judge Blocks Immigration Raids in Certain Places of Worship

A federal judge temporarily halted immigration enforcement near places of worship, echoing concerns about the Trump administration's policy shift.

JD Vance had exchange of opinions' with senior cardinal, Vatican says

The US Vice President discussed international conflicts and immigration with Vatican officials, amid concerns over administration policies.

more#immigration-policy

#unification-church

Non-profit organizations

fromFast Company

Japanese court orders the Unification Church to be dissolved

The Unification Church in Japan has been ordered to dissolve due to serious accusations of manipulative practices and links to the assassination of Shinzo Abe.

UK news

Japan court orders Unification Church dissolved DW 03/25/2025

UK news

Japan: Unification Church to be dissolved after court order DW 03/25/2025

UK news

Tokyo court orders dissolution of Moonies' Unification Church

Non-profit organizations

fromFast Company

Japanese court orders the Unification Church to be dissolved

The Unification Church in Japan has been ordered to dissolve due to serious accusations of manipulative practices and links to the assassination of Shinzo Abe.

UK news

Japan court orders Unification Church dissolved DW 03/25/2025

UK news

Japan: Unification Church to be dissolved after court order DW 03/25/2025

UK news

Tokyo court orders dissolution of Moonies' Unification Church

more#unification-church

philosophy

fromA Philosopher's Blog

Is it Wrong to Provide Water to Migrants?

No More Deaths aims to support migrants in deadly desert areas but faces legal challenges for their humanitarian actions.

Yeshiva University Recognizes L.G.B.T.Q. Club After Lengthy Battle

Yeshiva University will officially recognize an L.G.B.T.Q. club after years of legal disputes, marking a significant change in its policy.

NYC parents

NY's Amish communities, vaccinations and the battle for the 'greater good'

NYC LGBT

Yeshiva University Recognizes L.G.B.T.Q. Club After Lengthy Battle

Yeshiva University will officially recognize an L.G.B.T.Q. club after years of legal disputes, marking a significant change in its policy.

NY's Amish communities, vaccinations and the battle for the 'greater good'

New York's Amish community battles public health laws that challenge their religious rights, especially concerning vaccine mandates.

more#civil-rights

fromwww.ocregister.com

U.S. Department of Justice backs Christian church suing California city

The City Council's consistent denial of Anchor Stone's application is seen as a violation of their rights under RLUIPA, undermining religious assembly rights.

Los Angeles

This Christian Convert Fled Iran, and Ran Into Trump's Deportation Policy.

Artemis Ghasemzadeh's conversion to Christianity from Islam under Iranian law highlights the dangers of religious freedom.

fromThe Nation

The Battle of Theologies in the Age of Trump

Mike Johnson's claim of Christian persecution contrasts sharply with historical and current realities.

Trump's administration faces criticism for its policies affecting the vulnerable and disadvantaged.

Canada news

This Christian Convert Fled Iran, and Ran Into Trump's Deportation Policy.

Artemis Ghasemzadeh's conversion to Christianity from Islam under Iranian law highlights the dangers of religious freedom.

fromThe Nation

The Battle of Theologies in the Age of Trump

Mike Johnson's claim of Christian persecution contrasts sharply with historical and current realities.

Trump's administration faces criticism for its policies affecting the vulnerable and disadvantaged.

more#christianity

fromIrish Independent

Donald Trump says 'I love the Irish' as Taoiseach Micheal Martin presents him with bowl of shamrock in White House

The Burke family protests against perceived religious freedom violations in Ireland.

I was debanked by JPMorgan Chase - but fought back to win fiscal freedom

The abrupt cancellation of the NCRF's bank account by JPMorgan Chase raises concerns about financial discrimination and lack of transparency.

Europe news

fromConsequence

Behemoth's Nergal acquitted of "offending religious feelings" for penis crucifix

Nergal wins appeal against charges of offending religious feelings in Poland related to a sex-toy crucifix sculpture.

Germany news

Middle East: Hamas threatens to kill hostages if war resumes DW 03/07/2025

Israel allows limited access to Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan for specific groups while ensuring no restrictions on Israeli citizens.

fromwww.mercurynews.com

Letters: Americans of conscience must reject Christian nationalism

America must reject Christian nationalism to protect true religious freedom and human rights.

fromwww.standard.co.uk