Americans United Joins The Fight In Court Against Mississippi's "Religious Freedom" Law

On Friday, we joined an amicus brief opposing HB 1523 because it uses religion as an excuse to sanction discrimination. Religious freedom is a fundamental American value— it guarantees us the freedom to believe or not as we see fit. What it does not do, though, is grant anyone a right to harm others.

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.

Most Small Business Owners In Colorado Oppose Laws That Use Religion To Trump LGBTQ Nondiscrimination Protections, New Poll Shows

In this tense political climate, bad news sometimes overshadows the good news, and today’s news is good. 

Federal First Amendment Defense Act Poised To Make A Comeback In 2017

This week, U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) announced that next year he plans to reintroduce the so-called First Amendment Defense Act (FADA), a bill that would allow individuals and corporations to use religion as an excuse to discriminate against, well, almost everyone. 

 

Another Day, Another Unnecessary Anti-LGBTQ Lawsuit

This week, Telescope Media Group, a Minnesota media-production company, filed a lawsuit claiming that the state’s nondiscrimination law violates their religious freedom. They are seeking a court order that would exempt them from the nondiscrimination provisions that otherwise apply to all businesses open to the public. Why? They want to turn away same-sex couples who might purchase the company’s wedding-video-production services. 

Congress Rejected Russell: Let’s Celebrate, But There Are More Fights Ahead

Today, the Senate voted to adopt a final negotiated version of the National Defense Authorization Act. This is a clear win for fairness, equality, and the freedom of religion and belief, but there are still fights ahead

The Numbers Are In: NC's Gov. McCrory Primarily Ousted Over HB 2

Last week, Americans United's Samantha Sokol wrote that discrimination doesn't win in North Carolina. Now, after Governor Pat McCrory's defeat in the state's gubernatorial race and the release of a report by Human Rights Campaign and Equality North Carolina regarding voters' views on HB 2, this verdict is proven by the numbers.

 

Metro Atlanta Chamber Announces Intent To Oppose All Georgia's Harmful "Religious Freedom" Bills In 2017

The Metro Atlanta Chamber promised to fight any harmful "religious freedom" bills introduced in the Georgia legislature, saying: “We are not supportive of any bill that in any way would discriminate against any person.”

Is Discrimination The Price We’ll Pay For Trump’s HHS Secretary?

Tom Price’s view of religious freedom is not only wrong, but it could cause serious harm if he is confirmed as HHS secretary.

Americans United And Allies Deliver Over 342,000 Signatures Opposing Russell Amendment To Congress

Yesterday, Americans United joined a dozen of our allies to deliver a petition with more than 340,000 signatures to Congress calling for lawmakers to strike the Russell Amendment from the defense bill. Our organizations, with millions of members and supporters from across the country, are raising our voices to oppose taxpayer-funded discrimination sanctioned by this provision.

In Congress, The Fight Against Discrimination Is Now

We joined with a dozen national organizations to deliver over 340,000 petition signatures to Congress in opposition to the Russell Amendment, a provision that would require that all federal agencies allow religiously affiliated contractors and grantees to discriminate in hiring with taxpayer funds.

What Do We Do Now?: A Message From Americans United's Executive Director Barry Lynn

It will take some time for many of us to heal from the wounds and disappointments of this election. For now, know that we stand with you and deeply appreciate you standing with us.

It's Time To Act! Tell Congress To #RejectRussell

Yesterday Americans United, along with 11 other organizations, launched a petition asking Congress to reject the Russell Amendment, a provision in this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would allow religiously affiliated institutions that receive federal grants and contracts— including hospitals and universities— to use those taxpayer funds to discriminate against employees on the basis of religion.