religious freedom
20 years after the first Taliban regime, will we again target people based on how they look?
By Simran Jeet Singh — August 18, 2021
(RNS) — Have we learned anything about our own bigotry and extremism, and the rights of religious minorities?
The Pegasus Project surfaces a new era of oppression for people of faith. Here’s what should be done.
By David Curry — August 3, 2021
(Open Doors) — Of the 10 governments that reportedly purchased the tool, all have known histories of human rights violations and have repeatedly demonstrated their desire to suppress dissent.
EU court rules employers can limit religious symbols
By Associated Press — July 15, 2021
BERLIN (AP) — The European Union’s top court ruled Thursday that employers may forbid the wearing of visible symbols of religious or political belief, such as headscarves. But the Luxembourg-based tribunal said in its ruling that courts in the bloc’s 27 member states should weigh up whether the ban corresponded to a “genuine need” on […]
New wave of anti-protest laws may infringe on religious freedoms for Indigenous people
By Rosalyn R. LaPier — July 13, 2021
(The Conversation) — Native Americans have long struggled to practice their spiritual rituals and protect their landscapes. Crackdowns on Indigenous protests could further erode the free exercise of their religions.
Qatar’s Baha’i community and the plight of foreign workers
By Baher Seioshansian — July 8, 2021
(RNS) — This subtle erasure of Baha’is from the country contrasts sharply with Qatar’s efforts to promote the image and practice of tolerance.
RNS News Quiz: Same-sex marriage and the Doctrine of Discovery
By Emily Churchill — July 2, 2021
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Transgender rights, religion among cases justices could add
By Mark Sherman and Jessica Gresko — June 28, 2021
WASHINGTON (AP) — This month, the court has already issued big decisions on health care and religious freedom. And next term, the high court has agreed to take on cases about abortion and guns.
Vatican steps into heated debate on anti-homophobia law in Italy
By Claire Giangravé — June 24, 2021
(RNS) — Pope Francis and the Vatican are asking the Italian Parliament to revise a controversial new law against homophobia.
Pastor seeks revival of suit challenging virus restrictions
By Kevin Mcgill — June 8, 2021
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Tony Spell repeatedly flouted the public health restrictions at his Life Tabernacle Church in the Baton Rouge suburb of Central, and faces six state criminal counts as a result.
Incoming Bishop Stephen Chow says he feels the pressure of leading Hong Kong diocese
By Claire Giangravé — May 24, 2021
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — As Jesuit Father Stephen Chow prepares to lead the divided diocese of Hong Kong, caught by internal struggles and outside influence from China, he relies on St. Ignatius for guidance and promises to listen with empathy.
Kenyan Rastafarians seek to legalize marijuana over doubts of other faith leaders
By Fredrick Nzwili — May 20, 2021
(RNS) — ‘We want the world to no longer see it as a narcotic, but a medical plant that can help the creation,’ said a Rastafarian leader.
US hits China and others for repressing religious freedom
By Matthew Lee — May 13, 2021
(AP) — Secretary of State Blinken also used the report to lash out at abuses of religious freedom in Iran, Myanmar, Russia. Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, all of which were identified as offenders.
16 Jehovah’s Witnesses released from prison in Turkmenistan during Ramadan
By Adelle M. Banks — May 11, 2021
(RNS) — ‘These young men are excited to return home and once again help support their families and local communities,’ said a spokesman for the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
President Trump failed to challenge India on religious freedom. Will Biden follow suit?
By David Curry — May 10, 2021
(RNS) — Biden the candidate promised to protect religious freedom. But Biden the president seems to have chosen a similar approach to India as his predecessor.
Connecticut’s religious anti-vaxxers file suit
By Mark Silk — May 4, 2021
(RNS) — Three mothers say a law eliminating the faith exemption for school vaccinations violates their free exercise rights.
