religious freedom

David Cortman of the Alliance Defending Freedom speaks after representing Trinity Lutheran Church before the Supreme Court on Wednesday. Concerned Women for America hosted a rally in support of the Missouri church on the court steps.

In Church-State Playground Brawl, Justices Lean Toward The Church

8:11pm April 19, 2017

by Nina Totenberg

At Wednesday's oral arguments, a clear majority of justices seemed troubled by a Missouri policy that bars state money from going to religious schools for playground improvements.

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Protesters and LGBT activists rally outside Trump International Hotel this month in Washington, D.C.

In Religious Freedom Debate, 2 American Values Clash

9:08am February 28, 2017

by Tom Gjelten

A showdown may be coming on the meaning of religious freedom, and LGBT advocates fear anti-discrimination protections could be weakened as a result.

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Even after the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage, there have been efforts to pass a religious freedom bill. LGBTQ rights advocates believe lawmakers anticipate support from the Trump administration.

LGBTQ Advocates Fear 'Religious Freedom' Bills Moving Forward In States

8:12am February 26, 2017

by Laura Sydell

The Trump administration hasn't taken action on its promises to protect religious liberties, which some see as opposing LGBTQ people. But some state legislatures are taking this as support.

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Curt Freed (left) and his husband, Robert Ingersoll, after a November 2016 hearing before Washington state's Supreme Court.

National

Washington State Court Rules Florist Broke The Law By Refusing To Serve Gay Couple

2:30pm February 16, 2017

by Rebecca Hersher

The state Supreme Court has ruled that a florist broke a state anti-discrimination law when she refused to provide flowers for a wedding between two men.

Jeanette Vizguerra, a Mexican woman seeking to avoid deportation from the United States, speaks Wednesday as she holds her 6-year-old daughter, Zuri, during a news conference in a Denver church in which Vizguerra and her children have taken refuge.

Sanctuary Churches Brace For Clash With Trump Administration

10:17am February 16, 2017

by Joel Rose

Churches across the country are preparing to offer shelter and protection to immigrants in the country illegally. That sets up a conflict between Trump's policies on immigration and religious freedom.

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Vice President-elect Mike Pence arrives at Trump Tower on Tuesday to meet with President-elect Donald Trump about choosing key members of their future administration.

Vice President-Elect Mike Pence Set To Govern At Trump's Side

10:31am November 16, 2016

by Sarah McCammon

President-elect Donald Trump has made clear that his future vice president will have a major role in governing.

What Does Trump's Promise Of A Nation 'Under One God' Really Mean?

2:57pm September 18, 2016

by Sarah McCammon

Trump is promising if he's elected, America will be "one people, under one God, saluting one flag." That worries some advocates for religious freedom.

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On Tuesday night, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump campaigned with Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, whom he is vetting as a running mate.

Politics & Government

Trump Wraps Up Vice President Auditions, Nears Decision

3:12pm July 13, 2016

Donald Trump's public tryout of potential vice presidential picks finished up in Indiana Tuesday night with Gov. Mike Pence given the final audition.

Protesters march on May 1, seeking repeal of a Mississippi law allowing religious groups and some private businesses to deny services to same-sex couples, transgender people and others. A federal judge ruled the law unconstitutional late Thursday.

Judge Blocks Mississippi Law Protecting Religious Objections To Gay Marriage

2:53pm July 01, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

Late Thursday night, shortly before the controversial law was set to take effect, a federal judge ruled it unconstitutional. He called it an "attempt to put LGBT citizens back in their place."

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Jehovah's Witnesses sing songs during a meeting in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, in November 2015. The country's top prosecutor is threatening a nationwide ban for alleged "extremism."

Russia's Jehovah's Witnesses Fight 'Extremist' Label, Possible Ban

5:07pm May 17, 2016

by Corey Flintoff

Under Russia's anti-extremism law, Jehovah's Witnesses, who number fewer than 200,000, could be barred from practicing their religion in Russia. Their website and some publications are already banned.