Religious Freedom
The ACLU of Iowa supports the First Amendment right to freely exercise religious beliefs without government restraint and to make sure the government does not endorse any particular religion.
What you need to know
5
Between 2010 and 2012, Iowa lawmakers introduced at least five bills to restrict the use of foreign or religious law by state courts. All five bills died in committee.
3,500
3,500 groups make up the American religious landscape.
81
Eighty-one percent of Americans say the law should not allow companies or other institutions to use religious beliefs to decide whether to offer a service to people.
We strive to safeguard religious freedom protections for all, from atheists to devout Christians and many others.
As enshrined in the Iowa Constitution and the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, religious freedom includes two complementary protections: the right to religious belief and expression and a guarantee that the government neither prefers religion over non-religion nor favors one particular faith over others. These dual protections work hand in hand, allowing religious liberty to thrive and safeguarding both religion and government from the undue influences of the other.
Throughout our history, we’ve taken action against government promotion of religion and forced student prayer.
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