First Amendment

The Latest

US cabinet departments adopt rule protecting organizations' religious freedom rights

Dec 14, 2020

By Christine Rousselle

Nine federal agencies announced Monday a new rule aimed at protecting the First Amendment rights of religiously-affiliated organizations.  Read more

US Supreme Court urged to protect KY religious schools from shutdown

Dec 7, 2020

An order shuttering in-person education until Jan. 4 in Kentucky amid rising COVID-19 cases amounts to religious discrimination, the US... Read more

Treat churches like businesses during lockdowns, Americans say

Nov 18, 2020

As some states and cities reinstate restrictions meant to stop the spread of the coronavirus, a survey has found that... Read more

The Cathedral Basilica of St. James in Brooklyn, NYC.

Federal judges decline to block New York worship restrictions

Oct 12, 2020

Two federal judges on Friday declined to block new restrictions on public worship in New York City, which both Catholic... Read more

Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.

Senators support DC church's suit against discriminatory coronavirus restrictions

Oct 8, 2020

By Matt Hadro

Members of Congress are supporting a Washington, D.C., Baptist church in its court case against the city’s enforcement of its... Read more

The Colorado State Capitol.

Judge upholds Colorado's coronavirus limits on religious gatherings

Oct 1, 2020

A federal judge on Tuesday denied an injunction sought by a Protestant ministry against Colorado's coronavirus health orders, which limit... Read more

Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco.

San Francisco archbishop: Worshipers should be treated equally during the pandemic

Sep 17, 2020

The archbishop of San Francisco penned an op-ed in the Washington Post this week citing the First Amendment as he... Read more

Trump administration to implement free speech rules for colleges

Sep 10, 2020

The US Education Department on Wednesday promulgated rules which formally implement a March executive order from President Donald Trump seeking... Read more

Supreme Court of the United States.

US Supreme Court upholds Nevada's coronavirus rules for houses of worship

Jul 25, 2020

By a 5-4 vote on Friday the Supreme Court upheld Nevada’s coronavirus regulation that limits attendance at indoor religious services... Read more

Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, 2014.

Sen. McConnell condemns First Amendment 'double standard' for churches

Jun 9, 2020

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said that a “constitutionally dubious” double standard is being applied to religious communities and protestors... Read more

Bishop Peter Baldacchino of Las Cruces says Mass April 9, 2020.

Former judge: coronavirus restrictions have a place, but religion is 'essential'

May 15, 2020

By Kevin J. Jones

Public health orders to limit the spread of the new coronavirus raise important questions about the U.S. Constitution and religious... Read more

Federal judge blocks Kentucky governor's soon-to-expire ban on religious services

May 11, 2020

By Kevin J. Jones

With Kentucky already set for a limited resumption of religious services May 20, a federal judge has said Gov. Andy... Read more

California churches sue governor to allow public worship services amid coronavirus

Apr 15, 2020

Three Southern California ecclesial communities have filed a lawsuit against Governor Gavin Newsom, alleging that social distancing orders he imposed... 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 student at Bethel Christian Academy.

US justice department supports Christian school banned from voucher program

Nov 27, 2019

The United States Department of Justice on Tuesday filed a statement of interest in support of a Christian school in... Read more

Principal Claire Dant with students at Bethel Christian Academy in Savage, Md.

Federal judge allows Christian school's suit to go forward in voucher case

Nov 19, 2019

A federal district court judge on Thursday denied Maryland's motion to dismiss a suit by a Christian school against the... Read more

Teacher fired for abortion rights social media posts sues Catholic school in SC

Jul 11, 2019

By Jonah McKeown

A teacher at a Catholic school in South Carolina whose contract was not renewed because of her posts on Facebook... Read more

How 'Hosanna-Tabor' is shaping employment at Catholic schools

Jun 30, 2019

By Christine Rousselle

In the wake of recent controversies over teacher hiring, and firing, at religious schools, CNA spoke with professor Rick Garnett... Read more

California State Capitol building in Sacramento. Via Shutterstock

California advances bill to violate sacramental seal

May 24, 2019

State senators in California have voted to approve a law that would require priests to violate the seal of confession.... Read more

Federal court reaffirms tax exempt clergy housing allowances

Mar 19, 2019

The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld tax-free housing allowances for clergy, a decision welcomed by pastors, religious organizations,... Read more