Posts — Protect Thy Neighbor

A project of Americans United for Separation of Church and State

Rokia Hassanein

They’re Baaaaaack! Masterpiece Cakeshop Seeks New Right To Discriminate Against LGBTQ People

The owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, the baker who violated Colorado nondiscrimination laws when he refused on to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, is in the national spotlight again. This time, he’s suing the state of Colorado alleging religious discrimination after it came to light that he has refused to bake a cake for a transgender woman.

What’s At Stake With Brett Kavanaugh As The U.S. Supreme Court Pick? LGBTQ Rights.

What’s At Stake With Brett Kavanaugh As The U.S. Supreme Court Pick? LGBTQ Rights.

If you care about LGBTQ rights, then you should be concerned about Brett Kavanaugh as the U.S. Supreme Court pick. His record shows that he believes religious beliefs can be used to justify discrimination.

Join Americans United At Pride – In Body Or In Spirit!

June marks Pride Month, a month dedicated to celebrating the strides made toward LGBTQ equality and the many LGBTQ activists who fought to achieve them. This Pride Month and every month, Americans United is proud to stand with our LGBTQ neighbors and oppose discrimination in the name of religion.

New Poll Shows Americans Believe That Public Businesses Should Be Open To All

According to a new Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) survey, the majority of Americans oppose allowing businesses to refuse service to LGBTQ people in the name of religion, and more Americans are welcoming of marriage equality and nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people. 

We Hope The Supreme Court Rules That Businesses Should Be Open To All In Masterpiece Cakeshop Case

Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. Americans United staff members were outside with allies urging the higher court to say businesses should be #OpenToAll and that they should not be allowed to use religion to discriminate.

The Supreme Court Should Make It Clear That Businesses Can’t Use Religion To Discriminate

The US Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission—an important case that will have significant implications on nondiscrimination laws that protect everyone, regardless of religious beliefs, sexual orientation, and more—on Tuesday, Dec. 5.

Join Us Today To Say #HandsOffMyBC

Today marks a day of action against President Donald J. Trump’s attacks on contraceptive access. Last month, Trump announced regulations that would allow any employer or university, and even for-profit corporations, to use religion to deny contraception insurance coverage to their employees and students.

Recent Study Highlights Importance Of Protecting Birth Control Access

A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health revealed that the abortion rate in the United States decreased by 25 percent from 2008 to 2014, in large part due to improved access to contraception.

Most Americans Believe Religion Is No Excuse To Discriminate Against The LGBTQ Community

A recent survey by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) revealed that at 53 percent, the majority of Americans oppose restricting the rights of the LGBTQ community. An even more promising finding for America’s future: About two-thirds of young adults believe wedding-based businesses should not be allowed to refuse services to same-sex couples on religious grounds.

During Pride Month And Every Month, AU Stands With The LGBTQ Community

June marks Pride Month, a month dedicated to celebrating the strides made toward LGBTQ equality and the many LGBTQ activists that fought to achieve them. This Pride Month and every month, Americans United is proud to stand with our LGBTQ neighbors and oppose discrimination in the name of religion.

What We're Watching For In President Trump's First Address To Congress

Donald J. Trump will address a joint session of Congress tonight and will be setting out his vision and goals for his new administration. While we don’t know the full details of what he will say, we will be watching for his comments on initiatives that may harm our LGBTQ neighbors and others in the name of religion.

Most Small Business Owners In Colorado Oppose Laws That Use Religion To Trump LGBTQ Nondiscrimination Protections, New Poll Shows

In this tense political climate, bad news sometimes overshadows the good news, and today’s news is good. 

‘Marriage Equality’ Is A Confusing Term For This Texas Judge

A Texas Supreme Court justice recently wrote a dissent arguing that it should be legal for government bodies to deny same-sex couples spousal benefits because— get this– it would “encourage procreation.”