Oklahoma State Senator Dusty Deevers, a vocal Christian nationalist, views the separation of church and state as “blasphemous” and a belittlement of Jesus Christ’s authority. Deevers believes the government’s fundamental role is to convert people to Christianity and extend Christ’s dominion over all aspects of life. He has openly advocated for policies that reflect this belief, including abolishing abortion and outlawing same-sex marriage, as outlined in the “Statement on Christian Nationalism and the Gospel.” Deevers’ views and actions align him with other radical Christian nationalists, further solidifying his commitment to establishing a Christian theocracy.
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A federal judge has ruled that religious colleges requiring faith statements cannot be excluded from Minnesota’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options program, deeming the state law unconstitutional. The ruling, a win for two Christian colleges, overturned a 2023 law that sought to protect LGBTQ+ students by banning faith statement requirements. The judge cited First Amendment protections for religious organizations, asserting that the state cannot disqualify private schools from funding solely due to their religious affiliation. This decision also struck down a related nondiscrimination requirement.
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Terengganu, a Malaysian state governed by the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), has implemented stricter penalties for men who miss Friday prayers without a valid excuse, potentially facing up to two years in prison and a fine. This new rule, which came into effect this week, has been criticized by human rights advocates who see it as an abuse of religious freedom. The enforcement of these laws relies on public reports and religious patrols in collaboration with the Terengganu Islamic Affairs Department, with punishments considered a last resort, as stated by state officials. This recent legislation reflects the ongoing tension between religious law and civil freedoms within Malaysia’s dual-track legal system.
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Qatari authorities have imprisoned a Baha’i leader for allegedly casting doubt on the tenets of Islam. This action follows previous accusations of Qatar deporting Baha’i community members without providing justification. While details regarding the specific charges against the leader remain undisclosed, the arrest underscores ongoing concerns about religious freedom within the country. This situation highlights the precarious position of the Baha’i faith in Qatar.
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Kim Davis, the former Kentucky County Court Clerk, has filed a lawsuit petitioning the Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, seeking to appeal a ruling that requires her to pay damages for denying a marriage license to a gay couple. Davis, represented by the Liberty Counsel, argues her religious freedom is violated by the existence of marriage equality. Critics, like Dan Canon, believe the court is unlikely to take the case, although the current court is seen as politically motivated. The core argument, shared by some conservatives, is that the mere existence of same-sex marriage oppresses Christians, a perspective that could threaten LGBTQ+ rights.
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The Supreme Court formally faces a new challenge: an appeal to overturn the landmark ruling that legalized same-sex marriage. And the person spearheading this effort is Kim Davis, the former county clerk who famously refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. It’s a situation that has reignited old debates and stirred up a lot of strong feelings on all sides.
The central argument Davis is putting forth is based on religious freedom. She asserts that her First Amendment right to practice her religion should shield her from personal liability for refusing to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples. This is a complex legal argument, and it brings up a fundamental tension between religious freedom and the principle of equal treatment under the law.… Continue reading
Kazakhstan Moves to Ban Face-Coverings in Public
It seems like a move that makes sense, at least on the surface. The idea is simple: everyone should be identifiable in public spaces. From a safety perspective, that has a certain appeal. The stated goal is often unity, a sentiment that can resonate with people. A high five to that, right? However, some people might be concerned about the impact on religious freedom, and the implications for a country with a history of restrictions.
Thinking back, the initial inclination might be to support such a ban, especially when considering potential security threats. Masks could be seen as tools for criminals.… Continue reading
In a move aimed at bolstering public safety and upholding secular values, Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev signed a bill prohibiting face-covering veils in public, with exemptions for medical needs, severe weather, civil defense, and cultural events. The government asserts these garments hinder identification and contradict national traditions and identity. This action follows a prior ban on headscarves in schools and mirrors similar policies adopted by neighboring countries like Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. These measures have, however, faced criticism from human rights organizations, who argue that they may marginalize religious communities and infringe on individual freedoms.
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The U.S. Department of Justice is suing Washington state over Senate Bill 5375, a new law requiring clergy to report sexual abuse, due to its potential impact on the confidentiality of confession. The DOJ argues that the law infringes upon religious freedom protections guaranteed by the First Amendment. The lawsuit aligns with the concerns of Catholic bishops in Washington, who also filed their own suit against the state to block the law. A hearing is expected this summer, with the outcome potentially impacting similar laws in other states.
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The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the appeal of Damon Landor, a former Louisiana inmate whose dreadlocks were forcibly shaved by prison guards, allegedly violating his religious beliefs as a Rastafarian. Landor sought damages under a federal law protecting prisoners’ religious rights, but lower courts dismissed the case, citing the law’s limitations on monetary claims. The Supreme Court will now review the appellate ruling, considering arguments that align with a previous decision concerning religious freedom under a similar statute. The case, *Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections*, will be argued in the fall.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood