People of faith who live in the United States sometimes have to make compromises between their personal beliefs and following the law. As far as U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy is concerned, there is no obvious way to distinguish when violating one’s faith is acceptable and when it isn’t.
Americans United Law Clerk Explains Why Zubik Is Vital For Students
In an interview with NPR about the Zubik v. Burwell Supreme Court case, Georgetown University student and Americans United law clerk Allison Tanner explained why it was necessary for students of religiously affiliated universities to receive contraception coverage from their schools.
Zubik v. Burwell, Part 6: The Accommodation is the Least-Restrictive Option
Zubik v. Burwell, Part 5: These Exceptions are Unexceptional
In his fifth post on Zubik v. Burwell, Senior Litigation Counsel Greg Lipper debunks the ACA challengers' argument that exceptions to the law undermine the importance of contraception.
MPAA Is "Confident" That Georgia's Governor Will Not Sign Discriminatory Bill
Georgia's HB 757, a bill that sanctions discrimination based on religion, is getting poor reviews in Hollywood. Yesterday, entertainment industry paper Variety reported that a Motion Picture Association of America official is very sure that Governor Nathan Deal will not sign the bill into law. Georgia's film and television industry is booming, leading activists to call upon production companies to use their heft to protest HB 757.
Zubik v. Burwell, Part 4: The Compelling Interest in Contraceptive Coverage
Senior Litigation Counsel Greg Lipper outlines the compelling interest in contraception coverage in the fourth part of his series on Zubik v. Burwell.
Last Week In Review: March 14–19
Zubik v. Burwell, Part 3: Birth Control Is Not Abortion
In the third part of his blog series on Zubik v. Burwell, Senior Litigation Counsel Greg Lipper debunks the myth of “abortifacients" and other erroneous labeling of standard birth control methods.
Zubik v. Burwell, Part 2: The Religious Objectors Who Cried Wolf
Zubik v. Burwell, Part 1: Why Paperwork Does Not Burden Religious Exercise
Georgia's General Assembly May Have Surprise Vote On "Religious Liberty" Bill On Wednesday
According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Georgia's HB 757 will be voted on today by the General Assembly. This news comes as a surprise, as business leaders and LGBT advocates have roundly denounced this "religious liberty" bill as legalized discrimination.
Last Week in Review: March 7–11
Atlanta City Council Unanimously Approves Resolution To Oppose "Religious Freedom" Bills
Missouri Lawmakers Continue To Filibuster Discriminatory FADA Bill
While you were sleeping, something amazing happened. And it is still going on.
The seven Democrats in the Missouri Senate have been on the floor for 17 hours now filibustering SJR 39, a constitutional amendment that would add discrimination to the Missouri Constitution. And there is no sign that they are stopping anytime soon. You can listen here.
Georgia's Governor Makes A Powerful Case Against "Religious Liberty" Bill
West Virginia Senate Kills RFRA Bill In 27-7 Vote
We at Protect Thy Neighbor have been following the progress of West Virginia’s RFRA bill, HB 4012, closely since its introduction in January. Now, we’re pleased to report that the Senate voted down this harmful bill last night by a vote of 27-7.
Business Communities, LGBT Groups Are Fighting Discriminatory Bills Nationwide
Indiana Governor Releases Heavily Redacted Records From Post-RFRA Public Relations Firm
Twitter Joins Companies In Opposing Georgia FADA
Spotlight On: Missouri's SB 916 and SJR 39
Two pieces of legislation (SB 916 and SJR 39) that would permit discrimination in the name of religion are racing through the Missouri legislature. Both bills were introduced last week and were already approved by Senate Committees. The Senate could debate these bills on the floor as early as today.