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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New HHS rule would allow child placement discrimination based on religion
The Trump administration has proposed a new rule that would roll back protections for couples seeking to adopt or foster children.
Kentucky Supreme Court dismisses organization’s T-shirt refusal lawsuit for lack of standing
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.
U.S. Supreme Court declines to review religious freedom challenge to public school unit on Islam
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.
9th Circuit rejects bid to reinstate expansive religious exemption from contraceptive coverage mandate
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.
Florida bill would require school districts to offer courses on religion, the Bible
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.
Trump, Pompeo, Barr intensify religious liberty rhetoric in speeches across the country
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.
Troubling Q&A on tax exemption for churches during presidential candidate town hall
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.
Tennessee governor issues proclamation asking residents to pray, fast, and seek God’s forgiveness
Gov. Bill Lee declared October 10, 2019, to be a voluntary “Day of Prayer, Humility, and Fasting” in the state. Such proclamations are generally not surprising or unusual, and they have held up under constitutional scrutiny. But, that doesn’t mean they are a good idea.
SCOTUS hears employment discrimination cases
Harris Funeral Homes v. EEOC involves a transgender woman’s claim that her firing violates Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which bars discrimination in the workplace on the basis of sex. In requesting review by the Supreme Court, the funeral home did not raise RFRA arguments.