State Legislatures Are Considering More Bills Than Ever to Allow College Student Groups to Use Religion to Discriminate
It’s February, and that means students across the country are back on college and university campuses for a new semester. One of the highlights of campus life is joining student groups. But in some states, students at public universities could be denied the opportunity to participate in a student club because of who they are.
Federal Appeals Court Should Rule Religion Can’t Be Used As Excuse To Discriminate Against Gavin Grimm And Other Transgender Students
Governor McAuliffe Vetoes Virginia's Dangerous "Religious Freedom" Legislation
Today Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe vetoed SB 1324/HB 2025, a combination First Amendment Defense Act and Pastor Protection Act that would have allowed religion to be used as an excuse to discriminate against LGBTQ Virginians. In his veto statement, Governor McAuliffe called the bill “unconstitutional” and stated that any bill that privileges one religious belief “equates to discrimination under the guise of religious freedom.”
It's Now Up To Governor McAuliffe To Veto Virginia's Dangerous "Religious Freedom" Bill
For the second year in a row, the Virginia General Assembly has sent the Governor “religious freedom” bill that would allow religion to be used as an excuse to discriminate. Religious freedom is a fundamental value. It guarantees us the right to believe—or not—as we see fit. But it does not give anyone the right to discriminate against others.
Trump Administration Revokes Guidance On Civil Rights Protections For Transgender Students
Majority Of Religious Americans Agree: Religious Beliefs Are Not An Excuse To Discriminate
According to new Public Religion Research Institute analysis, a clear majority of religious Americans oppose business owners using their religious beliefs to deny goods and services to LGBTQ individuals and couples. Indeed, religious freedom gives us the freedom to believe— or not— as we see fit. It does not, however, permit anyone to use religion as an excuse to discriminate.
Americans United And Allies Urge Virginia Senate Committee To Oppose Discrimination In The Name Of Religion
Americans United and allies sent a letter to Virginia's Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology to warn of the real harm that HB 2025, a state combo Pastor Protection Act and First Amendment Defense Act (FADA), could inflict on many Virginians. The bill, as written, could allow individuals, for-profit corporations, and even taxpayer-funded organizations use religious beliefs about marriage as an excuse to discriminate against their neighbors.
The State Legislatures Are Back In Session And We’re Ready!
Congress Should Learn From FADA Backlash In The States
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform announced that it will hold a hearing on HR 2802, the deceptively named First Amendment Defense Act (FADA), on July 12. The Committee’s decision to hold this hearing is surprising given the backlash that states have faced when trying to pass and enact their own FADA legislation.
Legislative Blowback: One Year Later, States Are Trying To Undermine The Marriage Equality Ruling
Yesterday we celebrated the one-year anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark Supreme Court decision that made marriage equality the law of the land. Today we want to remind you that there’s still much work to do.
The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly Of The 2016 State Sessions, Part 1: The Good
Religious Right Group Drafts Anti-LGBT Bathroom Policy For Virginia School District
In previous posts on this blog, we've discussed the Alliance Defending Freedom's (ADF) involvement in lawsuits against public school districts that allow transgender students to use the single-sex restroom and locker room facilities that match their gender identities. Now the ADF has taken it one step further: helping one Virginia school district establish an anti-transgender bathroom policy of its own.
Last Week in Review: March 7–11
Virginia Gov. Promises To Veto Discriminatory Bill
Virginia's SB 41 may have passed the General Assembly, but Governor Terry McAuliffe has promised that the discriminatory bill will go no further.
Spotlight On: Virginia's Discriminatory Bills
Virginia's State FADA Bill Passes House
Virginia's HB 773, a State FADA bill, has passed the House of Delegates with a 53-46 vote.
Virginia's State FADA Bill Passes Out Of House Committee
HB 773, Virginia's State FADA bill and legislation that would allow the discrimination of the LGBT community, has passed a House of Delegates committee.
Two Bills Will Discriminate Against Virginians And Their Rights To Marriage Equality
Virginia to Hear Bill that Would Allow Clerks to Refuse to Provide Marriage Licenses
Virginia’s SB 40 would allow clerks and deputy clerks in the state to refuse to issue marriage licenses “[i]f the clerk or deputy clerk has an objection to the issuance of such license on personal, ethical, moral, or religious grounds.” We all know that the couples most likely to be denied a license by clerks under this bill are same-sex couples.