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The Latest from Religious Liberty in the States
Religion Unplugged: Illinois and South Carolina Rank Tops in Religious Liberty Index
Illinois and South Carolina have the most religious liberty safeguards currently in place, while states such as West Virginia ranked at the bottom, a report issued by a conservative think tank revealed.
The Christian Post: Best and Worst States for Religious Liberty
The Center for Religion, Culture and Democracy at First Liberty Institute released its second annual Religious Liberty in the States report last week. The report ranked all 50 states by the number of safeguards in place for religious liberty. While Mississippi scored highest last year, Illinois received the highest score this year.
Read MoreRealClear Religion: Not Just for Christians: How Religious Liberty Protections Benefit Religious Minorities
Editor’s Note: The following op-ed was published in RealClear Religion on July 19, 2023, and is authored by Trey Dimsdale,…
Read MoreWORLD Opinions: A Blue State Makes a Big Point
One of the most noteworthy changes from the first iteration of the index last year is that the state of Illinois has moved from the second position to the top spot. Last year’s leader, Mississippi, dropped into a tie for fourth.
Read MoreAnnouncing RLS 2023’s #1 State: Illinois
Illinois has earned the highest score in the Religious Liberty in the States (RLS) 2023 rankings due to its long history of protecting religious liberty, resulting in a broad range of state laws that safeguard the free exercise of religion for its residents.
Read MoreAnnouncing RLS 2023’s Runner-up State: South Carolina
South Carolina has made major strides in protecting religious liberty, significantly improving its ranking in the Religious Liberty in the States (RLS) index. While the Palmetto State ranked in 38th place in 2022 with an unimpressive score of 31 percent, it has skyrocketed to second place in 2023 with a strong score of 67 percent.
Read MoreHow RLS Has Expanded in the Project’s Second Year
The second year of RLS is a noteworthy development for the project, as it marks the first time that new safeguards were identified and changes in law were tracked over time. Learn more about how RLS has expanded in its second year.
Read MoreA Technical Note: Comparison Over Time and Editions of RLS
As RLS grows—aiming to measure a fuller potential for safeguarding the free exercise of religion and to provide a richer set of data to interested citizens, legislators, and scholars alike—it is important for users to note the scope of what the index is combining in a given year.
Read MoreJackson Sun: Tennessee Can Do Better to Protect Religious Liberties
Editor’s Note: The following op-ed was published in the Jackson Sun on October 15, 2022, and is authored by Dr. Sean Evans, chairman…
Read MoreAlabama Political Reporter: Religious Liberty in Alabama: Pretty Good, Could be Better
Editor’s Note: The following op-ed was published in the Alabama Political Reporter on September 29, 2022, and is co-authored by Dr. Jason Jewell,…
Read MoreHolland Sentinel: Michigan Can Do Better on Religious Liberty
Editor’s Note: The following op-ed was published in the Holland Sentinel on September 29, 2022, and is co-authored by Dr. Sarah M. Estelle,…
Read MoreTulsa World: Oklahoma Edges Out Texas in Protecting Religious Liberty
Editor’s Note: The following op-ed was published in the Tulsa World on October 1, 2022, and is authored by Hiram Sasser, executive general…
Read MoreTownhall: Understanding the Role States Have in Protecting Liberty
Editor’s Note: The following op-ed was published in Townhall on September 25, 2022, and is authored by Patrick M. Garry,…
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