Every legislative session, AU tracks hundreds of state bills that, if passed, would undermine religious freedom in nearly every state. We often see trends arise across states. Lawmakers in different states introduce similar bills, and sometimes even the same exact bills with the same exact language. And we can usually figure out why that happens: conservative lobbying groups like the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and state Focus on the Family affiliates often shop model bills around to state legislators, who then introduce these model bills in their states. The lobbying groups also share strategies with legislators to help pass their bills. The result: Similar harmful bills appear and pass in many different states in a nationwide onslaught.
Here Are The Top Ten Church-State Stories From 2017
Roy Moore Won’t Be Joining The US Senate. Here’s Why That’s A Good Thing
The people of Alabama did America a favor last night by voting against Roy Moore for a seat in the US Senate. Moore is just what we don’t need right now. His disdain for fundamental American values—from religious freedom to civil rights and equality to the rule of law—makes him a danger to our democracy.
Michigan Law Allowing State-Contracted Foster Care Organizations To Use Religion As Excuse To Turn Away Families Challenged In Court
Alabama Enacts Two Laws That Could Allow Discrimination Against People In The Name Of Religion
Under the guise of “religious freedom,” Alabama has enacted two laws in the last ten days that are aimed at allowing discrimination against LGBTQ couples and women. Religious freedom is a fundamental American value. It guarantees us the right to believe—or not—as we see fit. It does not, however, grant anyone the right to use religion to discriminate or harm others.
PTN Looks Back On The Five Biggest Religious Freedom Stories Of 2016
Alabama's Suspended Chief Justice Roy Moore Could Be Heading To The U.S. Senate
Thought you had heard the last of Alabama's suspended Chief Justice Roy Moore? Think again. When we last left the embattled judge, the Alabama Court of the Judiciary found him guilty of ethics violations after he issued an order to probate judges implying that they could ignore the Supreme Court's 2015 marriage equality decision. Now Roy Moore could be in a position of power again— this time in the U.S. Senate.
Roy Moore, Alabama’s Anti-Gay Chief Justice, Stands Trial For Ethics Violations
Alabama’s anti-gay chief justice, Roy Moore, was on trial before a state ethics board yesterday. He stands accused of instructing Alabama officials to defy the U.S. Supreme Court’s marriage equality decision. Based on media reports, it seems the longtime foe of Americans United didn’t make a very strong case for keeping his job.
Facing The Music: Roy Moore Prepares To Go On Trial— Again
Accountability In Alabama: No One Is Above The Law, Chief Justice Moore
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by disgraced Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore and Liberty Counsel against the Judicial Inquiry Commission (JIC). Here's a reminder about why the Justice Moore is in trouble in the first place.
Americans United and Allies Secure Victory in Alabama for Marriage Equality
Above The Law?: Ala. Chief Jurist Demands No Accountability
No Moore, Please: Ala. Chief Justice May Be Removed From The Bench
Trials And Tribulations: Controversial Ala. Judge Says He Should Stay On The Bench
Last Week in Review: April 4–8
Last Week In Review: March 14–19
Alabama Legislature Packs Multiple False Religious Liberty Bills Into One Day
The House Committee on Health will hold a hearing on HB 158, the “Alabama Child Care Provider Inclusion Act,” which would allow organizations that provide adoption and child placement services the ability to “refrain from conduct that conflicts with their sincerely held religious beliefs.”
Last Week in Review: March 7–11
The Human Cost of Judicial Fencing in Alabama
Moore Shenanigans: U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Alabama High Court’s Latest Bid To Undermine Equality
Spare a thought for Roy Moore.
Moore likely thought that as chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court he’d finally have the authority to enforce God’s moral law. Theocracy has, after all, been the raison d’etre of his career. But our secular legal system – or Satan, depending on who you ask – has thwarted him at every turn.