Religious

Federal Court Blocks Arkansas Law on Ten Commandments Display in Major Districts Amid Religious Controversy

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A federal judge has ruled that a new Arkansas law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms cannot be enforced in several of the state’s largest school districts. This decision stems from legal challenges claiming the law infringes on the separation of church and state. U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks, appointed by former President Obama, stated that his ruling applies only to four out of Arkansas’s 237 school districts, thereby limiting its immediate impact as students prepare to return for classes. The decision adds to the … Read more

Venetian Resort Pays $850K Settlement Over Religious Accommodation Violations, Implements Policy Changes

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Las Vegas, Nev. — The Venetian Resort has agreed to pay $850,000 in a settlement stemming from a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that alleged violations of federal laws concerning religious accommodations for employees. The EEOC’s lawsuit charged that the resort failed to honor the religious beliefs of some staff members, leading to retaliatory actions against them. These actions reportedly included disciplinary measures, denial of promotions, and even termination of employment for affected individuals. As part of the settlement, the Venetian will also implement changes to its policies over the … Read more

Virginia Health Officials Agree to Allow Talk Conversion Therapy, Sparking Controversy Over LGBTQ+ Rights and Religious Freedoms

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RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia officials have reached an agreement that allows counselors to continue using talk conversion therapy, despite a law enacted in 2020 that was intended to prohibit such practices for minors. The decision stems from a consent decree with the Founding Freedoms Law Center, a faith-based conservative organization that had legal grounds to challenge the law. Last month, the Virginia Department of Health Professions, guided by the state attorney general’s office, signed the consent agreement, which permits counselors to engage in conversation-based therapies without fear of disciplinary action. This move has raised considerable … Read more

"Louisiana’s Ten Commandments Law Struck Down by Appeals Court in Landmark Religious Freedom Ruling, Setting Stage for Supreme Court Showdown"

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Baton Rouge, La. — A unanimous ruling by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has deemed Louisiana’s law mandating displays of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms as “plainly unconstitutional.” The court’s decision blocks the law’s enforcement across the state, asserting a violation of students’ First Amendment rights. The ruling came on a Friday and upheld an injunction issued by a lower court that had previously halted the contentious measure from taking effect. Had the law been enforced, it would have required public school classrooms, from kindergarten through state universities, to display the … Read more