ACLJ Testifies Before Congress to Warn About Serious Threats to Americans’ Religious Liberties

February 22, 2012

2 min read

Constitution

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October 26, 2011

(Washington, DC) -- Our religious freedom is under constant attack, according to a senior attorney with the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ). The warning came during a hearing before the Constitution Subcommittee of the United States House of Representatives, where the ACLJ provided testimony about the state of religious liberty in our country.

ACLJ Senior Counsel and Washington Office Director Colby May told subcommittee members that while his organization defends religious liberties around the world, its efforts are primarily aimed at infringement of those liberties here in the U.S.

"In light of ever changing discrimination laws and harassment policies, religious people often face a troublesome choice: violate deeply held religious beliefs or receive punishment from state or local officials," said May.

May began his testimony by outlining areas in which Congress and the courts have successfully protected religious liberties, including the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), Title VII, the Equal Access Act and conscience statutes. But May noted that the courts have also curtailed religious liberties, particularly within our nation’s public schools and universities, and have made decisions that have negatively impacted parents. A full transcript of May's remarks is available here.

In thanking the subcommittee, May also provided members with a copy of the ACLJ's new, comprehensive review of religious liberty in America. Titled "Religious Liberty in America: A Comprehensive Analysis of Current Case Law and Legislation," the document provides a comprehensive analysis of the current legal landscape on the topic. It specifically addresses:

  • Landmark Supreme Court Cases
  • Religious Expression in Public Schools
  • Religious Expression in the Workplace
  • Religious Speech and Displays
  • Right of Conscience
  • Government Funding for Religiously Affiliated Organizations
  • Religious Displays and Monuments
  • Zoning and Religious Land Use
  • National Day of Prayer
  • Broadcasting

Led by Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice focuses on constitutional law and is based in Washington.