religious freedom

Members of the All India Muslim Students Federation protest at Delhi University against the hijab ban in educational institutions, on Feb. 8 in New Delhi, India.

As India turns 75, Muslim girls are suing to wear the hijab — and protect secularism

3:52pm August 24, 2022

by Lauren Frayer

When her high school banned the hijab, Ayesha Shifa sued. Her case went to India's Supreme Court. A verdict, expected soon, could redefine what secularism means in the world's largest democracy.

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Charleston resident Tia Clark teaches tourists the coastal South Carolina tradition of catching blue crabs. She and her wife say the Equality Act would make it easier for them to adopt a child.

Equality Act Would Extend Civil Rights Laws To LGBTQ People Throughout U.S.

2:16pm March 24, 2021

by Victoria Hansen

South Carolina is one of about two dozen states that have few or no statewide LGBTQ protections. The federal Equality Act would change that, but some in the state say the bill goes too far.

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Yazidi refugees from Iraq are among those fleeing religious persecution. The Biden administration promises to allow refugees into the U.S. at much higher numbers than the Trump administration did.

Biden Gives New Hope To Refugees Fleeing Religious Persecution

5:41pm November 20, 2020

by Tom Gjelten

Joe Biden intends to admit 125,000 refugees in his first year. Many will be fleeing religious persecution. While highlighting persecution, President Trump cut refugee admissions to 15,000.

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LGBTQ supporters gather in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Oct. 8, 2019.

Religious Freedom Arguments Give Rise To Executive Order Battle

11:31am November 16, 2020

by Tom Gjelten

Legislative remedies prove ineffective in reconciling religious freedom claims with concerns about discrimination, so the battle is waged via executive orders.

Lawsuit Filed To Block Cooper's Orders On Churches

9:37am May 15, 2020

by Associated Press

Conservative Christian leaders sued Gov. Roy Cooper on Thursday, asking a court to throw out his restrictions on indoor religious services in North Carolina during the COVID-19 pandemic.

India Home Minister Amit Shah (center) introduced India's new citizenship law that fast-tracks naturalization for some non-Muslim migrants. Opponents say it violates India's secular constitution.

Religious Freedom In India Takes 'Drastic Turn Downward,' U.S. Commission Says

8:45pm April 28, 2020

by Tom Gjelten

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is challenging the Trump administration to take a tougher line toward India, given its discriminatory treatment of Muslims.

The Rev. Randolph Hollerith, dean of the Washington National Cathedral (from left); the Rev. Carl Wright, the Episcopal Church's bishop suffragan for the armed forces; and Maj. Gen. Steven Schaick, the Air Force chief of chaplains, participate in the bles

Space Force Bible Blessing At National Cathedral Sparks Outrage

9:38pm January 13, 2020

by David Welna

The dedication at the Washington National Cathedral of an official Bible of the new U.S. Space Force is being criticized as a violation of laws separating church and state.

A federal agency says Vermont Medical Center required a nurse to participate in an abortion over her moral objections.

Health & Safety

Federal Agency Accuses Vermont Hospital Of Forcing A Nurse To Assist In An Abortion

7:08pm August 28, 2019

by Selena Simmons-Duffin

The Trump administration's Office For Civil Rights put a hospital in Vermont on notice that it violated federal rules by forcing a nurse to help with an abortion. The hospital denies the charge.

The Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Civil Rights has issued new rules protecting health care workers who refuse to be involved in certain procedures for religious or moral reasons.

Health & Safety

What's Behind A Rise In Conscience Complaints For Health Care Workers?

2:40pm May 09, 2019

by Selena Simmons-Duffin

A new rule expands protection for health care workers who refuse to provide certain care on moral grounds. The rule cites a sudden rise in religious discrimination complaints. What's fueling the rise?

Health care workers may now refuse to be involved with providing services that offend their religious beliefs. The new rule, issued by the HHS Office for Civil Rights, affirms existing conscience protections established by Congress, director Roger Severin

New Trump Rule Protects Health Care Workers Who Refuse Care For Religious Reasons

6:14pm May 02, 2019

by Alison Kodjak

The rule strengthens protections for health care providers who are unwilling to provide services like abortions. Critics say it could put women's health in danger.

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