Religious Freedom Restoration Act

The Latest

West Virginia state capitol, Charleston.

West Virginia passes Religious Freedom Restoration Act

Mar 1, 2023

By Peter Pinedo

The bill guarantees West Virginians’ freedom from any state interference that may “substantially burden a person’s right to exercise of... Read more

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Right to Contraception Act: U.S. House passes bill with implications for abortion, religion

Jul 21, 2022

By Katie Yoder

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 228-195 to pass a bill Thursday that would establish a right to access, use,... Read more

The Iowa capitol. Credit: Henryk Sadura/Shutterstock.

Iowa religious freedom bill sets 'highest standard' for government, backers say

Feb 27, 2021

By Kevin J. Jones

An effort to restore strong religious freedom protections in Iowa has the backing of the state Catholic conference and others... Read more

Supreme Court of the United States.

US Supreme Court: government agents violating religious liberty liable for monetary damages

Dec 11, 2020

By Kevin J. Jones

Three Muslims who claim the FBI wrongly pressured them into becoming informants on Muslim communities may seek monetary damages as... Read more

US President Donald Trump.

Trump admin announces rules to allow equal access to grants for religious groups

Jan 16, 2020

By Matt Hadro

The White House announced new rules from nine federal agencies Thursday to help ensure that religious groups have equal access... Read more

 A sign at the entrance to a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee room in Washington, DC.

Religious freedom laws 'more necessary than ever,' Congress hears

Jun 26, 2019

By Matt Hadro

The House Committee on Education and Labor heard testimony June 25 on the Do No Harm Act, a proposed measure... Read more

A look at 25 years of RFRA

Nov 20, 2018

Last week marked the 25th anniversary of the enactment of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, known as RFRA.  Read more

Hundreds of Catholic employers win injunction against contraception mandate

Apr 2, 2018

By Christine Rousselle

A federal judge ruled in favor of the Catholic Benefits Association last week, issuing a permanent injunction and declaratory relief... Read more

Legal counsel: Religious freedom never justifies abuse

Sep 2, 2016

An Indiana woman who allegedly beat her 7-year-old with a coat hanger is citing religious freedom as her defense against... Read more

Wall Street Journal, NY Times writer defend Indiana religious freedom law

Mar 31, 2015

Does the widespread reaction to Indiana religious freedom law mean there is growing intolerance for religious viewpoints? Two prominent essays... Read more

Mike Pence.

No, Indiana did not just pass a law discriminating against gay people. Here's why.

Mar 27, 2015

By Kevin J. Jones

Despite media hype, a new Indiana law is not based on anti-gay discrimination, but on a 20-year legal precedent of... Read more

The Newland family, owners of Hercules Industries, who won a permanent injunction against the HHS mandate March 16, 2015. Photo courtesy of Alliance Defending Freedom.

Catholic-owned company wins 'final victory' against HHS mandate

Mar 17, 2015

A Catholic-owned company’s victory in its fight against a federal mandate to cover drugs and procedures that violate Catholic moral... Read more

Religious leaders support law used in Hobby Lobby ruling

Jul 2, 2014

Religious leaders from several Christian churches and Jewish organizations have reaffirmed their “staunch support” for the federal religious freedom protections... Read more