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Religious Freedom

Issues

"One of the amendments to the Constitution... expressly declares that 'Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press,' thereby guarding in the same sentence and under the same words, the freedom of religion, of speech, and of the press; insomuch that whatever violates either throws down the sanctuary which covers the others."
Thomas Jefferson

The Framers of the U.S. Constitution understood quite clearly that religious freedom is one of the most fundamental human rights that exist.  After all, religious freedom is the main aspiration that sent America’s founders searching for independence from England.  This is also why the Framers included free exercise of religion in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. 

According to the First Amendment the government may not establish a religion nor deny its citizens the right to freely exercise their religion.  The Rutherford Institute believes that religious freedom and freedom of conscience are among the most basic and fundamental rights guaranteed in the Constitution.  Everyday The Rutherford Institute works tirelessly to defend the right of people to freely worship and exercise their religion.  Whether at work, in the public square, in prison, or in the classroom, The Rutherford Institute fights to ensure that your fundamental right to exercise your religion is respected and unabridged. 

Religious Discrimination in the Workplace:
An Epidemic in Need of a Legislative Cure

Calling on Congress to take legislative action to protect the rights of religious individuals in the workplace, The Rutherford Institute has issued a special report and 10-year overview of religious discrimination in the workplace. In addition to illustrating how protections for religious persons in the workplace have been weakened by various court rulings over the years, the report provides a 10-year overview of workplace religious discrimination cases handled by Rutherford Institute attorneys and highlights the sharp increase of religious discrimination complaints filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in recent years. Specifically, the report calls for the passage of the proposed Workplace Religious Freedom Act (WRFA), which was co-sponsored by Senators John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) and has languished in Congress since being introduced in April 2003. More.

Press Releases

01/12/2009 • U.S. Supreme Court Refuses To Hear Turner Case, Lets Stand Lower Court Ruling Prohibiting City Councilman From Ending Prayers 'In Jesus' Name'

12/03/2008 • Rutherford Institute Attorneys Appeal To U.S. Supreme Court On Behalf Of Street Preacher Arrested While Peacefully Preaching

10/28/2008Rutherford Appeals To U.S. Supreme Court On Behalf Of Football Coach Prohibited From Bowing Head During Team's Pre-Game Prayer

05/22/2008Rutherford Institute Files Lawsuit In Defense Of Christian Employee Fired For Voicing Religious Objection To Workplace Diversity Training

02/04/2008The Rutherford Institute Joins Forces With Nevada ACLU To Defend Jewish Police Detective Prohibited From Wearing Head Covering, Beard On The Job

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