Recent News & Columns
Here are recent columns and news items from the Baptist Joint Committee. Visit our blog and read our monthly magazine, Report from the Capital, to stay current on all religious liberty news. You can also read our press releases online.
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Secret recordings reveal contrasting views of Justice Alito and Chief Justice Roberts on role of religion and morality at SCOTUS
The conversation with Lauren Windsor, posing as a conservative Christian during an annual gathering of the Supreme Court Historical Society, seems to reveal a troubling perspective from Justice Alito.
BJC urges Louisiana Governor to veto law requiring public schools and colleges to post Ten Commandments in every classroom
The Ten Commandments carry deep religious significance for many observant Americans. Unfortunately, that has made them ripe for exploitation by those who seek to use the institutions of government to promote a religious perspective.
Federal court grants injunction reversing university’s denial of religious exemptions from COVID vaccine mandate, spars over inquiry into employees’ sincerity
The decision impacts only the vaccination mandate examined in this particular case, but it does raise important general questions about how and to what extent an employee’s religious accommodation request can be scrutinized for its sincerity.
Florida enacts troubling law authorizing volunteer chaplain programs in public schools
Florida’s leaders could look to Texas for how they handled this issue. “As a growing number of chaplains speak out, school districts will see that these proposals are not simple support for students but, in fact, are deeply problematic,” Holly Hollman said.
Appeals Court maintains halt on Indiana’s abortion ban against plaintiffs who claim a religious liberty right to terminate pregnancy
Indiana is not the only state with courts considering whether there is a religious freedom right to an abortion in certain circumstances, an argument brought to the forefront once the U.S. Supreme Court in Dobbs ruled that there is no federal right to an abortion.
‘Released time’ religious instruction programs for public school students expanding with ‘plug and play’ curricula, state legislation
A controversial program is spreading across the country that offers grade school children optional Bible instruction during the school day.
First Muslim appeals court nominee in doubt
There is no place for subjecting a nominee to questions that demonstrate hostility to their faith, or otherwise suggesting that being Muslim is incompatible with being a federal judge.
Nine federal agencies announce final rule restoring religious liberty rights discarded by Trump administration
The Biden administration announced a final rule, jointly issued by nine federal agencies, entitled “Partnerships with Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations.”
9th Circuit rules the destruction of Oak Flat likely does not substantially burden religious exercise, campaign to save Oak Flat continues
These disputes could result in the most significant ruling yet by the Court on the application of RFRA, impacting not only the fate of Oak Flat but numerous religious freedom disputes.
Alabama Chief Justice uses theology to support controversial frozen embryo ruling
Largely overlooked in the firestorm of reaction focused on the consequences of the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling was the troubling, religion-based rationale in a concurrence.
