North Carolina Legislators Try (And Fail) To Ban Marriage Equality
On Tuesday, just before the filing deadline for bills for the North Carolina legislature’s regular session, state GOP legislators introduced a ridiculous anti-LGBTQ bill, HB 780, which would ban marriage for same-sex couples. Less than 24 hours later, House Speaker Tim Moore declared that the bill would not advance, effectively killing this misguided legislation.
In A Suburban Chicago School Board Race, Transgender Rights Won
Federal Court Rulings Are Important Victories For LGBTQ Community. Now We Must Fight To Protect Them
AU Supports Transgender Rights As Religious Right-Sponsored, Anti-Trans Bus Tours East Coast
Today a bright orange bus that has been touring the East Coast might be arriving in Washington, DC, to deliver its anti-transgender message to our nation’s capital.
AU Stands With The Transgender Community On Transgender Day Of Visibility
Today is Transgender Day of Visibility—a day dedicated to empowering and recognizing the transgender community globally. Today, and every day, Americans United stands with the transgender community against attacks and discrimination in the name of religion.
Former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson Warns President Trump Against Signing Draft "Religious Freedom" Executive Order
Last week, former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson, a Republican from Wyoming, extended a piece of advice to fellow Republican President Donald J. Trump on his rumored draft “religious freedom” executive order that would allow the use of religion to discriminate: “Don’t do it.”
Should Religiously Affiliated Hospitals Be Allowed To Ignore A Federal Law That Protects Employee Pensions?
Today the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a trio of cases that will decide whether religiously affiliated hospital systems must comply with federal pension protections. The large health systems don’t want to; they argue they should get a narrow exemption to the law carved out for houses of worship. But these health systems, with nearly 100,000 employees, are not churches.
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.”
A Focus On: Georgia's Dangerous Adoption Bill
After the backlash Georgia faced last year when the legislature attempted to allow taxpayer-funded discrimination, it’s surprising that the state senate is willing to go down this road again. And even shocking that they made the target of discrimination youth who need adoptive and foster homes and the parents who want open their hearts to them.
Justice Alito And The Dangers Of Redefining ‘Religious Freedom’
Neil Gorsuch Is The Wrong Choice For A Seat On The Supreme Court
In this excerpt from AU's Wall of Separation blog, Director of Communications Rob Boston explains why Neil Gorsuch, President Trump's nominee for the Supreme Court, is a danger to true religious freedom.
Broad Arkansas FADA Could Have Devastating Effect On Arkansans
Today, the Arkansas House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear HB 2232. Although the bill’s title claims it would it promotes “non-discrimination” and protects “religious liberty,” it would do the exact opposite.
Wyoming Supreme Court Rebukes Judge For Refusing To Marry LGBTQ Couples
Judge Ruth Neely, a municipal judge and part-time circuit court magistrate in Pinedale, Wyoming, has never been asked to preside over the marriage of a same-sex couple. Nonetheless, she announced that, based on her religious beliefs, she’d refuse to do so if asked. Last week the Wyoming Supreme Court formally reprimanded Judge Neely because she wouldn’t treat everyone the same way and apply the law fairly.
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.
South Dakota's Dangerous "Religious Freedom" Adoption Bill On Verge Of Becoming Law
Thanks To Trump, A Major Transgender Rights Case Has Been Derailed At The Supreme Court
Religious Beliefs Shouldn’t Justify Discrimination Against Schoolchildren
Gavin Grimm is the 17-year-old high-school senior at the center of the first U.S. Supreme Court case on the civil rights of transgender persons. At issue: Whether a provision in federal law known as Title IX, which forbids discrimination in public schools on the basis of sex, also protects transgender students who have been denied the equal use of school facilities based on their gender identity.
What We're Watching For In President Trump's First Address To Congress
Donald J. Trump will address a joint session of Congress tonight and will be setting out his vision and goals for his new administration. While we don’t know the full details of what he will say, we will be watching for his comments on initiatives that may harm our LGBTQ neighbors and others in the name of religion.
Georgia Governor Vows To Veto Newly Introduced "Religious Freedom" Bill
On Tuesday, February 21, 20 Republican Georgia state senators dropped SB 233, a bill many are calling this year’s “religious freedom” bill. By Thursday, however, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal had already vowed to veto it. This is no real surprise considering Governor Deal vetoed a similar bill last year after it evoked large-scale opposition across the state and the country as well as threats of boycotts.