On Monday, Aaron and Melissa Klein, owners of the Sweet Cakes by Melissa bakery paid a $135,000 fine levied against them by the state of Oregon for refusing on religious grounds to provide a cake for a same-sex commitment ceremony two years ago.
Archives for 2015
Religious Liberty Advocate John Stevens Has Died
We are saddened to learn that long-time religious liberty advocate John V. Stevens passed away on November 30, 2015.
Davis Appeals to 6th Circuit
When the religious beliefs of a government official conflict with the civil rights of citizens, who has the power and who wins?
New Supreme Court Case Could Stretch RFRA to Breaking Point
If Congress, which passed both RFRA and Obamacare, believes RFRA’s application goes too far, Congress could decide to repeal all or part of RFRA.
Angry Red Cups and This Year’s “War on Christmas”
This year’s annual “War on Christmas” is off to a roaring start as Starbucks unwittingly fired the “first shot” by not printing snowflakes or reindeer on their cups, but instead resorted to a simple, plain, red cup.
Supremacy Clause Prevents States from Ignoring Supreme Court Decisions
Why attempts to convince state and local governmental officials that they can ignore Supreme Court decisions are legally incorrect and could lead to a Constitutional crisis.
Adventist Church Releases World Religious Liberty Report
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has released a 408-page report outlining international religious liberty demographics and issues.
Mel Gibson’s new film to shine spotlight on Adventist history of conscientious objection
Mel Gibson’s $55,000,000 film will have Adventists re-exploring this part of their history and considering the future of conscientious objection.
Why California’s New “Death with Dignity” Law Will Make Suicide Common and Expected
On October 5, 2015, California Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation that will permit terminally ill patients to obtain medications that will enable them to end their own lives. The legislation had been opposed by disability rights groups that were concerned that people would choose to end their lives because of financial worries or depression.
The Immigration Crisis and the Rule of Law
Dr. Norman Farley examines the issue of immigration, the rule of law, and the search for solutions.