The executive order signed by President Donald Trump wasn’t the only action taken last week by the Trump Administration to signal its intent to roll back key protections against discrimination in the Affordable Care Act under the guise of religious freedom.
Alabama Enacts Two Laws That Could Allow Discrimination Against People In The Name Of Religion
Under the guise of “religious freedom,” Alabama has enacted two laws in the last ten days that are aimed at allowing discrimination against LGBTQ couples and women. Religious freedom is a fundamental American value. It guarantees us the right to believe—or not—as we see fit. It does not, however, grant anyone the right to use religion to discriminate or harm others.
Kentucky Judge Uses Religion As Excuse To Refuse To Hear Adoption Cases Involving LGBTQ Parents
Trump's Executive Order Continues The Assault On Religious Freedom
Yesterday, during his National Day of Prayer ceremony in the White House Rose Garden, President Donald Trump continued his assault on religious freedom by signing an executive order. In a speech that reads more like a fake viral email than a presidential address, Donald Trump substituted showmanship for sincerity: While claiming to protect religious liberty, he trampled it.
Americans United: Trump Executive Order Harms Religious Freedom And Undermines Protections For Houses Of Worship And Women
Equality Act: Equality The Right Way
US Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) and US Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) today introduced the Equality Act, which would protect LGBTQ people from discrimination. It builds on our nation’s tradition of expanding civil-rights protections to ensure that more of our neighbors are protected from discrimination based on who they are.
AU And Allies: Michigan Funeral Home Can’t Use Religion To Justify Discrimination Against Transgender Employee
Americans United And Allies File Legal Brief In Support Of Transgender Woman Fired By Michigan Funeral Home
Texas "Religious Freedom" Bills Could Discriminate Against Children And Families
Americans United supports true religious freedom—the freedom to believe or not believe according to your own conscience. SB 892 and HB 3859 pervert this cherished American right, allowing taxpayer-funded child-welfare agencies to use their religious beliefs to harm children who need a caring home and the families that long to provide one for them.
Americans United & Fairness West Virginia File Lawsuit On Behalf Of W. Va. Same-Sex Couple Harassed By Gilmer County Clerk
Why We’re Fighting Religion-Based Discrimination in West Virginia
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.