The Kentucky Supreme Court ruled that only individuals – and not organizations – are allowed to bring a suit for violations of Lexington’s non-discrimination law but did not resolve the underlying issue of whether businesses that are open to the public can discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to take up the case that ruled that a public school lesson plan in a world history class did not violate the Establishment Clause.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that requiring a religious organization to file a form opting out of the contraceptive coverage mandate does not amount to a “substantial burden” on religious exercise under RFRA.
The new bill in Florida (where school districts are already authorized to offer Bible-related classes) would go further that some other states by requiring school districts to offer electives on religion and on the Bible to high school students.
The president and top cabinet officials gave speeches focused on the state of religious liberty at home or abroad. All three portrayed religion as under siege and the Trump administration as its most important ally.
An exchange between CNN’s Don Lemon and former congressman Beto O’Rourke demonstrates the way the media and politicians oversimply conflicts between religious freedom and nondiscrimination. The First Amendment without question protects rights of individuals and religious institutions, to support or oppose conceptions of marriage according to the dictates of their faith, and to peacefully express those views. That is not a controversial position.