Conversion therapy is a highly controversial topic. It involves an attempt to shift a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity through various methods. Historically, conversion therapy has targeted children or young adults who are attracted to the same sex. It stems from a pseudoscientific argument that sexuality and gender identity can and should be changed Read More

Education on sexual orientation & gender identity (SOGI) is one the most controversial issues in American elementary schools today. Parents on both sides of this issue feel strongly about it, but perhaps the most interesting element of this story is the way in which it has united people of various faiths. Those who are most Read More

For the past few decades, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has focused on a wide range of employment discrimination cases. These have included not only religious discrimination but also discrimination based on race, national origin, disability, and gender. However, the new administration could force the EEOC to shift its priorities to a considerable degree thanks Read More

Conservative Christians and many other religious individuals often reject viewpoints promulgated by trans people and trans activists. Progressive ideas on gender and sexuality have long been rejected by traditional religious groups, and this has led to numerous lawsuits throughout the United States. Some might argue that these two different philosophies will never find common ground, Read More

In theory, everyone in the United States enjoys freedom of speech. As long as they are not inciting violence or threatening others, Americans are free to speak their mind – even if it offends other people. Some might argue that freedom of speech is especially important when people get offended, as this constitutional protection would Read More

American doctors often find themselves at the forefront of religious lawsuits – and for obvious reasons. The freedom to refuse or provide treatment based on religious belief is one of those legal “grey areas” that has confounded the highest courts for decades. What is more important? The right of the patient to healthcare or the Read More

After the Tennessee state legislature passed a law explicitly barring ministers who were ordained online from solemnizing legal marriages in 2019, the Universal Life Church (ULC) immediately filed suit and were successful in obtaining a restraining order blocking the law from taking effect. In August of 2023, the ULC began the trial against the Tennessee Read More

There is a fierce debate in many religious communities about LGBTQ issues, and the United Methodist Church (UMC) is certainly no exception. Due to the unique legal structure of the UMC, this debate is triggering a serious fracture within the church – one that is causing many individual congregations to leave. The process of leaving Read More

People in the United States must be careful about retaliating against each other purely on the grounds of religion. Although it might seem like some religious views are “evil” or “wrong,” the Constitution specifically protects freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Discrimination is also unlawful in many situations, and it is all too easy Read More

The intersection of medical care and religious care has always been somewhat contentious. However, the medical world has a long history of involvement with various religions. The Knights Hospitallers gained fame during the medieval period for building hospitals throughout the known world while also participating in religious and military crusades. Nuns and other religious organizations Read More