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.

Sen. McCain Opposed Arizona “Religious Freedom” Bill In 2014 And Now Should Reject A Similar Provision In Defense Bill

Sen. McCain has seen the disastrous effects the Russell Amendment and other so-called religious freedom laws can have. Now’s the time for him to act. 

Samantha Bee Tackles Catholic Hospital Systems And Religious Restrictions On Reproductive Healthcare

On Monday night, Full Frontal With Samantha Bee squarely took on this issue (as only Sam Bee can), focusing on Catholic hospital systems and their religious restrictions on reproductive healthcare. 

For Some Children, "Religious Freedom" Is Detrimental To Their Health

In an article for The Atlantic, journalist Emma Green writes about the children who are harmed by others' religious beliefs, and the laws which enable that harm. Cases of parents using state Religious Freedom Restoration Acts as defense in child abuse trials are starting to make headlines, but the harm some children face because of their caretakers' religious convictions goes beyond physical abuse. For these kids, it can mean death from treatable medical conditions.

Gov. Mike Pence Has Much To Answer For During Tonight's Vice Presidential Debate

The Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which Gov. Mike Pence signed in 2015, harms the state's women, LGBTQ individuals and families, those who belong minority religions, and others who could face discrimination because of this law.

Legislators Need to Strip Taxpayer-Funded Discrimination from Defense Bill

A few months ago, some members of the U.S. House snuck a provision into their version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which would authorize taxpayer-funded discrimination in every single federal contract and grant issued by the federal government, whether defense related or not. Now, a group of bipartisan Representatives and Senators are meeting to resolve the issue.

Tar Heel Travels: Lessons From North Carolina

Americans United Faith Organizer Bill Mefford and Legislative Director Maggie Garrett toured North Carolina to discuss church politicking with faith leaders. On the way, they learned some powerful lessons about true religious freedom.

Congress Should Scrap Government-Funded Discrimination From Defense Bill

In the rush to get out the door, Congressional lawmakers have some important decisions to make. One of those should be that taxpayer-funded employment discrimination has no place in the NDAA

Civil Rights Commission Releases Report On Nondiscrimination And Civil Rights

Yesterday, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights released a report focused on religious freedom following a 2013 briefing where AU’s then-Legal Director Ayesha Khan testified.

 

New Lawsuit Claims Healthcare Professionals Should Have Religious Exemptions When Caring For Transgender Individuals

Texas and four other states filed suit against the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Tuesday, claiming that healthcare professionals should be able to deny transgender individuals necessary medical care if it violates their religious beliefs. This is the second lawsuit brought by Texas that directly attacks the rights of the transgender community.

At the Intersection of Transgender Advocacy and Religious Freedom

AU Legislative Assistant Director Dena Sher joined a Transgender Law Institute panel to discuss the intersections between true religious freedom and transgender advocacy.

Real (Bad) Alternatives: ‘Secular’ Anti-Abortion Group Seeks Church Exemption To Contraceptive Mandate

On Monday, Americans United filed a friend-of-the-court brief in Real Alternatives v. Burwell— yet another challenge to the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that employers who provide health insurance to employees must include contraception coverage.

DNC Round-Up: Democrats Offer Alternative Vision Of Religious Freedom

DNC Round-Up: Democrats Offer Alternative Vision Of Religious Freedom

Democrats met in Philadelphia, PA, last week to nominate a candidate for president— and in the process touched on religious freedom issues affecting the country today