Religion and Law

Courts are faced with an increasing number of cases dealing with conflicts between religion and law. The Supreme Court opened a new door to religious liberty claims in June when it allowed some employers an exemption from the Obama administration's mandate to include coverage for contraceptives in employee health plans. The decision marked the first explicit holding that secular, for-profit corporations can claim an exemption under federal laws protecting religious rights. Social conservatives and many faith groups praised the decision. Women's health groups and advocates of church-state separation argue it may limit access to contraceptives. A similar conflict is developing as some businesses claim religious objections to providing services to gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender individuals. Religious conservatives say government regulation threatens religious liberty; church-state separationists say religious beliefs should not take precedence over the law. Meanwhile, some local governing bodies appear to be taking advantage of a Supreme Court decision that gave them wider discretion to open meetings with religious invocations.