Freedom of religion
The Latest
Federal court rules in favor of Colorado church blocked from running homeless shelter
Town officials had blocked the ministry, saying that housing people on church grounds violated zoning laws. Read more
Biden administration criticized for omitting Nigeria from religious persecution watchlist
Nina Shea, director of the Center for Religious Freedom at the Hudson Institute, told CNA that the report demonstrates a... Read more
Supreme Court overturns ‘Chevron’ doctrine with big implications for religious liberty
The decision returns the authority to interpret law to the courts. Read more
Colorado baker returns to court after activist sues over ‘gender transition’ cake
In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Philips, the owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, who was sued for... Read more
Foster parents sue Vermont after state revokes license for rejecting gender ideology
Vermont requires foster parents to affirm that they would support a child in his or her self-asserted gender identity and... Read more
Colorado discriminated against Catholic preschools, judge finds
A federal court ruled Tuesday that the state’s decision to exclude Catholic preschools was unconstitutional. Read more
U.S. religious freedom watchdog’s new appointments include three Catholics
The USCIRF is a government organization that reviews violations of religious freedom around the world and makes policy recommendations. Read more
Court backs Catholic school sued by teacher in same-sex union who was denied rehire
The ruling affirmed that religious schools can hold employees to the moral teachings of the Church. Read more
Here are the countries that rank worst in the world in religious freedom
Among the countries topping USCIRF’s list of the world’s most egregious religious freedom violators are Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, and India. Read more
Bishops: New Biden HHS Obamacare rule advances ‘ideological view of sex’
The change means that any insurer or physician receiving federal financial assistance must cover or provide sex-reassignment surgeries and therapies. Read more
Catholic and Anglican nuns defend religious freedom in New York’s highest court
The lawsuit is over a New York Department of Financial Services regulation that could require faith-based organizations to cover “medically... Read more
New Idaho law aims to protect against forced use of incorrect pronouns, names
The new law covers government employees and students at public schools. Read more
Religious broadcasters ask Supreme Court to strike down ‘discriminatory’ fees
The suit argues that the Copyright Royalty Board is subjecting religious broadcasters to a discriminatory royalty fee that violates U.S.... Read more
Iowa governor signs Religious Freedom Restoration Act
More than half of U.S. states have passed Religious Freedom Restoration Acts (RFRA) since the federal government passed its version... Read more
Court rules that religious schools’ tax-exempt status does not make them subject to Title IX
A lower court had previously ruled against the school, arguing that the school’s tax-exempt status in and of itself constituted... Read more
Governors in West Virginia, Utah, Idaho sign religious freedom bills
The new laws protect student organizations at public universities and protects religious rights for faith-based adoption centers and foster care... Read more
Amid arrests of Indian priests and nun, bishop calls for ‘storming of heaven’
Eleven out of India’s 28 states have passed laws to criminalize forced conversions but, in practice, they have been used... Read more
Freedom of religion is ‘deteriorating’ in Hong Kong, new report says
The Chinese government is now tightening its grip on the region of more than 7 million residents, a Jan. 30... Read more
Victims of persecution testify at International Religious Freedom Summit
The two-day annual event includes speakers who faced religious persecution and government officials who work to promote religious freedom globally. Read more
Exonerated Finnish politician and bishop to return to court over biblical ‘hate speech’
The allegations stem from a 2004 pamphlet about the Lutheran teaching on sexuality, including the prohibition on homosexual activities. Read more
