Latest Articles
Aftershock: The Historical and Religious Legacy of the Salem Witch Trials (Liberty Magazine)
Liberty Magazine – Nov/Dec 2013 Martin Surridge’s latest article on religious freedom appears in the November/December 2013 issue of Liberty magazine. EXCERPT: The similarity between the persecutions of Muslims in 2013, alleged Communists in 1950, and…
Washington Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Whether State Law Requires Religious Accommodation
Washington state law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees in compensation or terms or conditions of employment because of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, veteran status, or disability. This case raises the issue of whether a failure to make reasonable accommodation for an employee’s sincere religious beliefs is implied in the statute.
Same-Sex Marriage Advocates File Lawsuits Challenging Utah and Michigan Laws
In order to force the U.S. Supreme Court to issue a ruling on the merits of same-sex marriage, advocates have filed lawsuits in Utah and Michigan.
U.S. President Discusses Imprisoned Pastor with Iranian President
On September 28, President Obama picked up the phone and called Iranian President Rouhani who was traveling back to JFK airport after speaking at the United Nations in New York. In addition to discussing Iran’s nuclear-enrichment program, the presidents spoke about Pastor Saeed Abedini, an American citizen, who was arrested because of his faith while visiting Iran over a year ago. This was the first time since the Islamic revolution of 1979 that a U.S. President has spoken with an Iranian president. Secretary of State John Kerry and the U.S. Congress have also been calling for Pastor Saeed’s release.
EEOC Files Suit On Behalf of Employee Who Objects to Biometric ID
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed suit on September 23 against Consol Energy on behalf of a Christian who refused to sign into work using a biometric hand scanner