Free speech, religious belief and Westboro Baptist

Written by K. Hollyn Hollman, BJC General Counsel
Westboro Baptist Church — the tiny but seemingly ubiquitous church group founded by Fred Phelps of Topeka, Kan., and consisting mostly of his family members — is one of the most notorious religious groups in America. Now adding to the church’s distinction is a U.S. Supreme Court case bearing their leader’s name and upholding their constitutional rights despite the harm caused to a grieving military family. …

Fear fuels anti-Sharia initiatives

By K. Hollyn Hollman, BJC General Counsel For years, defenders of religious liberty have noted the challenge of ensuring that Muslims in America have the same rights as others. While our religious diversity is often celebrated as a significant strength of our nation’s...

Obama clarifies religious liberty protections

By K. Hollyn Hollman, BJC General Counsel
It was not fast and it did not finish the job, but the Obama administration’s executive order clarifying policies on government partnerships with faith-based organizations is important….

Hollman on Marriage and Religious Freedom

By General Counsel K. Hollyn Hollman The BJC does not take a position on the legal status of same-sex unions. The increasingly frequent and intense claims linking gay rights and religious liberty, however, require attention. Charges that one’s adversaries violate...