Religious News
The Daily Signal reports on faith and religion in America, covering Christian, Jewish, and other faith communities, with analysis and commentary on cultural trends, religious liberty, and moral issues that influence public life.
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- Opinion
The Supreme Court Quietly Gives Religious Liberty a Big Win
Religious liberty and freedom of conscience won big at the Supreme Court last week, just in time for Religious Freedom Day on Jan. 16. The justices declined last week to hear a legal challenge against a Mississippi law that protects citizens, small businesses, government employees, and charities from official discrimination by government if they believe…Monica Burke -
- Opinion
Court Decision Protects Free Speech Rights of Pro-Life Centers in Baltimore
In a ruling seven years in the making, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the city of Baltimore to “lay down the arms of compelled speech” it had taken up against pro-life pregnancy centers, once and for all, last Friday. The decision upholds a series of previous rulings in favor of Greater Baltimore…Jay Hobbs -
- Opinion
We Hear You: Term Limits, the Russia Probe, the NFL, Religious Freedom, and Other Obsessions of 2017
Editor's note: For our roundup of letters at year's end, we thought we'd highlight some letters from The Daily Signal's audience that we meant to publish earlier. Enjoy, and don't forget to write us at [email protected].—Ken McIntyre Dear Daily Signal: Americans elected Republicans to stand behind President Trump and work out any plan that needs…Ken McIntyre -
- Opinion
Religious Liberty Is Eroding in Canada. Here’s What Americans Should Learn.
Outside of watching the occasional hockey game or purchase of maple syrup, most Americans pay little attention to Canada. We may know of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s colorful socks, but little of how unpopular he is among his constituency. We may discuss the single-payer health care system, but are unfamiliar with the government’s disrespect for…Emilie Kao -
- Opinion
What the Founders Understood About Religious Freedom That We Must Recover
Friday, Dec. 15, marks the anniversary of the day our young nation ratified the Bill of Rights in 1791. Given the national discussion in recent days over whether the government may compel speech from an ordinary baker, now is an especially good time to consider the very first words of our charter document: “Congress shall…Michael Berry -
- Opinion
The Christian Baker Need Not Have Ended Up at the Supreme Court
On Dec. 5, the Supreme Court heard the case of Jack Phillips, the Christian baker who can’t in good conscience design and create wedding cakes that celebrate same-sex marriages. The justices now will decide whether states, consistent with the First Amendment, can force citizens to express support for same-sex marriage through their artistic products. But…Ryan T. Anderson -
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Supreme Court Justices Grill ACLU and Colorado in Christian Baker’s Case
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments Tuesday in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, a case over whether cake artist Jack Phillips can be forced by the state to design and create a cake celebrating a same-sex wedding in violation of his religious beliefs on marriage. While justices directed heated comments and tough questions…Travis Weber -
- News
15-Year-Old Pro-Life Student Punched in the Face, Sent to Hospital
An unidentified assailant punched a 15-year-old pro-life student in the face Saturday as the student and a fellow pro-life demonstrator were peacefully holding pro-life signs and offering counseling. The alleged assailant punched Purity Thomas, a high school fellow from Students for Life of America in Roanoke, Virginia, according to a press release received by The…Rob Shimshock -
- Opinion
4 Highlights From Christian Baker’s Wedding Cake Case at Supreme Court
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Tuesday in a closely watched case dealing with free speech, religious liberty, and same-sex marriage. Specifically, the justices considered whether the state of Colorado can force Jack Phillips, a Christian baker, to create a custom cake for a same-sex wedding against his deeply held religious beliefs. Attorneys for…Emilie Kao -
- Opinion
Distinguished Group of Scholars Defends a Christian Baker’s First Amendment Rights
Jack Phillips is a Christian baker from Colorado. Should he be forced to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding in violation of his deeply held religious beliefs? A group of leading legal scholars and economists says “no.” Not only would this violate Phillips’ individual conscience, it would also violate the Constitution and have negative…Monica Burke -
- Opinion
Watch Ryan Anderson Spar With LGBT Rights Advocate on Christian Baker Case
On Fox News’ “Outnumbered,” The Heritage Foundation’s Ryan T. Anderson, a senior research fellow who focuses on religious liberty and marriage, discusses the Jack Phillips case with Wayne State University’s philosophy professor John Corvino. Watch above.Daily Signal Staff -
- News
Meet the Lawyer Who’ll Argue at Supreme Court for Christian Baker’s Right to Free Speech
As far back as grade school, Kristen Waggoner’s father taught her to seek God’s purpose for her life. This paternal counsel, after much prayer, resulted in her knowing her calling at age 13. But growing up in a small mill town in Washington, she could not have guessed that, little more than 30 years later,…Ken McIntyre -
- Opinion
Podcast: Why Free Speech Is at Stake in Christian Baker Case
The Heritage Foundation’s Emilie Kao breaks down why the case of baker Jack Phillips, being heard by the Supreme Court Tuesday, has wide-ranging implications for free speech and for people of faith in many professions. Plus: Why President Donald Trump’s use of “Merry Christmas” matters.Katrina Trinko -
- Opinion
As Christian Baker Heads to Court, Hundreds of Artists Speak Out to Defend Free Expression
The Supreme Court is gearing up to hear one of the most important cases of the 2017 term. In Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, the court will consider whether the state of Colorado may compel cake artist Jack Phillips to create custom wedding cakes for same-sex weddings in violation of his religious beliefs….Zachary Jones -
- News
Pro-Life Students Sue Miami University Because It Won’t Let Them Erect a Cross
Students at the Miami University in Ohio are suing the school after it wouldn’t let them erect a cross on its campus to express their pro-life message. Filed by the Alliance Defending Freedom on behalf of Miami University’s Students for Life, the lawsuit alleges that the university violated their rights to free speech and expression…Grace Carr -
- Opinion
If a Christian Baker’s Rights Are Violated, We All Lose. Here’s Why.
Religious freedom has set our nation apart from the very beginning. Among its many benefits, religious freedom allows religious individuals and groups to make unique contributions to the public good. And those contributions are massive—from founding countless universities and hospitals to funding charities and the arts. The economic byproduct of religious liberty is also noteworthy….Monica Burke -
- Opinion
This Large Group of Public Officials Backs a Christian Baker’s First Amendment Rights
In September, a large group of policymakers from across the nation filed three different amicus curiae (“friend of the Court”) briefs in support of Jack Phillips, the Colorado baker whose case—Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission—will soon be heard by the Supreme Court. Phillips is being sued by the state of Colorado for declining…Amy Swearer -
- Opinion
California Tried to Force Pro-Life Centers to Promote Abortion. Now, the Supreme Court Is Weighing In.
On Nov. 13, the Supreme Court announced it will hear arguments in a case with serious implications for free speech nationwide. In NIFLA vs. Becerra, the court will decide whether pro-life advocates must refer clients to abortion clinics or face fines, penalties, and possible closure. The basic question the court must decide is whether the…Thomas Glessner -
- News
Texas Budget to Include $20 Million for Pro-Life Options
Texas has allocated $20 million in its 2018-2019 budget to go to a pro-life program that offers alternatives to abortion and provides services to new parents. “If they’re self-sufficient through the process of childbirth and afterward, that saves the state money and makes for much happier women and children and families,” Texas Alliance for Life…Grace Carr -
- News
Supreme Court Will Review California Law Requiring Pro-Life Groups to Promote Abortion
The U.S. Supreme Court Monday agreed to hear a challenge to a California law requiring pro-life crisis pregnancy centers to post information about state-funded abortions. A coalition of pro-life groups challenging the law say it explicitly targets and coerces religious counseling centers into pro-abortion expression with which they disagree. The law, called the Reproductive FACT…Kevin Daley