States Considering Religious Conscience Bills

Written by Don Byrd
In recent years, a handful of states have wrestled with the rights of vendors like florists, bakeries, and photographers to refuse business for same-sex weddings on religious grounds. In particular, states with strong nondiscrimination statutes forbidding such refusal have seen religious objectors challenge those laws in court. In New Mexico, for example, the state Supreme Court rejected a photographer’s argument that a nondiscrimination law should not force her to provide business for a same-sex wedding over her religious objections.

Campus Religious Group Bill Moving Through Idaho Legislature

Written by Don Byrd
Idaho has joined the growing list of states concerned about religious affiliation policies on university campuses. A bill that protects the right of religious organizations to determine membership based on religious belief and affiliation passed the State Senate yesterday 30-5. Concern that Boise State University was implementing an all-comers policy – requiring all groups to allow all interested students as members – seems to have led to this legislative effort.