ACLU
Kentucky will remove county clerk names from marriage licenses
By Reuters — April 14, 2016
The governor signed the law to establish a single form for every bride, groom or spouse. And Rowan County clerk Kim Davis won't have to put her name on it.
St. Louis police investigate possible racial motive in string of fires at black churches
By Christine Byers — October 21, 2015
ST. LOUIS — Investigators have yet to confirm that race was the motive. If race or religion proves to be the reason, police will seek to have the incidents prosecuted as hate crimes.
Ky. county clerk invokes God in denying gay marriages
By Mike Wynn — July 22, 2015
Kim Davis said she prayed and fasted over her decision to refuse marriage licenses for same-sex couples.
Hobby Lobby president’s Bible curriculum shelved by Oklahoma school district
By Adelle M. Banks — November 26, 2014
(RNS) "In summary, the topic of a Bible course in the Mustang School District is no longer a discussion item nor is there a plan to provide such a course in the foreseeable future," Mustang Public Schools Superintendent Sean McDaniel said.
Anti-Semitism * Helmet hair * ROHINGYA : August’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — September 2, 2014
Anti-Semitism continues to seep across Europe following the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Motorcycle-riding Sikhs in Ontario must wear helmets, even though they don’t fit over their turbans. And Myanmar is asking foreign officials not use the word “Rohingya,” to which I say “ROHINGYA ROHINGYA ROHINGYA.”
Farm owners fined for saying no to lesbian wedding
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — August 19, 2014
NEW YORK (RNS) A court ruled that a family farm qualifies as a public accommodation because it regularly collects fees for space, facilities, services and meals, so it cannot be considered “distinctly private.”
Federal judge: Let passengers challenge no-fly list designation
By Omar Sacirbey — June 25, 2014
(RNS) Many Muslim Americans believe they are disproportionately targeted by the no-fly list, which has been found to include the names of many Americans with names similar to those of real terrorist suspects.
Liberty lawsuits * Heathen’s Greetings * Dutch blasphemy: Religious Freedom Recap: Dec. 2-9
By Brian Pellot — December 9, 2013
Lawsuits fly in the Land of Religious Liberty. Atheists wish everyone Heathen’s Greetings at state capitols. And the Netherlands (sort of) ditches its blasphemy law.
Religious, civil rights groups demand investigation of NYPD spying
By Omar Sacirbey — October 25, 2013
(RNS) A coalition of 125 religious, civil rights, and community-based organizations sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice Thursday urging a civil rights investigation into a New York City Police Department program that spies on Muslims.
Canceled Christmas * Billboard wars * ‘Allah’ banned: Religious Freedom Recap: Oct. 7 – 14
By Brian Pellot — October 14, 2013
American schools “cancel” Christmas and Halloween. Atheists and Christians battle with billboards in Times Square. And Malaysia rules that a Christian newspaper may not use the word “Allah."
ACLU says magistrate can’t order ‘Messiah’ name change
By Bob Smietana — August 13, 2013
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) "In this case, the judge is creating a culture where she is imposing her religious beliefs on others," said Hedy Weinberg of the Tennessee ACLU. "And that is unacceptable."
Gay marriage fight shifts to the states
By Richard Wolf — July 11, 2013
(RNS) In the wake of a decision striking down the Defense of Marriage Act, a flurry of lawsuits aim to reverse state laws and repeal constitutional amendments barring gays and lesbians from marrying.
Anti-Shariah movement changes tactics and gains success
By Omar Sacirbey — May 16, 2013
(RNS) After losing steam in recent years, the anti-Shariah movement has scored a string of victories by, ironically, leaving the words "Shariah" and "Islam" out of bills that restrict state courts from considering foreign law.
How did a male-only yeshiva get $10.6 million in public funds?
By Jarrett Renshaw — May 6, 2013
TRENTON, N.J. (RNS) A top New Jersey Democrat says she is concerned about $10.6 million in public funds being awarded to an Orthodox yeshiva with admission standards that she says resemble a "religious test."
N.C. minorities remain worried after religion bill is pulled
By Amanda Greene — April 9, 2013
WILMINGTON, N.C. (RNS) A resolution aiming to give North Carolina the freedom to defy the Constitution and establish its own religion won’t get a vote in the N.C. General Assembly, but religious minorities say it's a dangerous sign for a majority-Christian state with a growing minority population.
