SPOTLIGHT: You Shall Not Bake Cake And SCOTUS Packing

Written by David E. Smith

This week, Illinois Family Spotlight focuses on current issues regarding religious freedom and the U.S. judicial system. To start the podcast, Monte Larrick interviews well-known Colorado baker and cake artist, Jack Phillips and general counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom, Kristen Waggoner.

Phillips describes the persecution and targeting he has endured at the hands of the LGBT faction in his ongoing battle for religious freedom within the context of his business.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: The Equality Act, Valiant Valedictorians, and Religious Freedom

While attending the National Religious Broadcasters Convention near Dallas, Monte Larrick had the opportunity to speak with Kelly Shackelford, President and CEO of First Liberty Institute, the largest legal firm in the U.S. solely focused on protecting religious freedom for all Americans. Their conversation begins with a discussion of the dangers of the Equality Act, or as Newt Gingrich calls it “the LGBT Supremacy Act.” Mr. Shackelford explains how passage of this act would gut the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) by launching a far-reaching assault on religious freedom in all areas of society.… Continue Reading

Justices Kavanaugh and Barrett Deal Crushing Blow to Religious Liberty

Written by Daniel Horowitz

James Madison once wrote, “Government is instituted to protect property of every sort” and that “conscience is the most sacred of all property.” Yet just before July 4 weekend, the U.S. Supreme Court, by denying an appeal in an important religious liberty case, has essentially abrogated both property and conscience rights, as well as the right to use one’s own property in accordance with deeply held religious beliefs. So much for self-evident truths, inalienable rights, and the institution of government to secure these rights.… Continue Reading

Baker Jack Phillips — A Cultural Hero

Written by David Limbaugh

Colorado baker Jack Phillips is a perpetual offender. He simply will not do. His offense? Unswervingly honoring his deeply held, and constitutionally protected, religious beliefs.

We’ve all heard of Phillips and his travails. Leftist bullies have been tormenting him for years, beginning in 2012, when the Colorado Civil Rights Commission targeted him for refusing to make a custom-designed cake to celebrate a same-sex wedding.

After several setbacks in various tribunals, Phillips was finally vindicated in a 7-to-2 U.S.… Continue Reading

Why June Could be Decisive for Religious Freedom and the Future of the Nation’s Highest Court

Written by Jorge Gomez

June could be a critical month for religious freedom in America like never before. Over the next few weeks, the U.S. Supreme Court is likely to release most of the decisions for its current term—including cases in which First Liberty is fighting to defend people of faith and religious organizations.

Below, we’ll recap several First Amendment cases pending before the nation’s highest court and how the outcome in each of these could be a turning point for the constitutional freedoms of millions of Americans.… Continue Reading

China’s Religious Rules: Coming to an American Church Near You?

Written by Jorge Gomez

For those who think that America could never descend into dictatorship, let this be a warning sign that tyranny could already have arrived on our shores.

The latest indication comes from examining China’s newest rules for religious personnel that went into effect earlier this month. Set by China’s State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA)—a Big Brother-style religious oversight body—these regulations outline the rights and characteristics of religious work in China, and the obligations of those with religious roles.… Continue Reading

Revealing Biden’s Hatred of Humanity and Religion

Written by Dr. Everett Piper

On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, President Joe Biden and his administration filed an appeal in federal court seeking to force all doctors and hospitals in the United States, regardless of religious conviction, to provide transgender surgeries to all patients who request such services.

If this doesn’t disturb you, then your heart is black and your soul is cold.

This is not just a story about the Democratic Party’s undeniable disdain for religion and its ongoing war against Judeo-Christian morality.… Continue Reading

Why Compromising With The Equality Act Falls Short

Written by John Stonestreet and Timothy D. Padgett

Satanists Sue For Religious Right to Ritual Abortions

Written by Dr. Everett Piper

This past week while the nation was distracted by Joe Biden’s dementia-ridden incompetence and Andrew Cuomo’s predatory misogyny, The Satanic Temple of Texas filed suit to defend its religious right to engage in child sacrifice as a spiritual ritual.

The Dallas Observer reports as follows.

“[On Feb. 23, 2021] The Satanic Temple [of Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston] filed a lawsuit against the State of Texas alleging certain state-mandated abortion regulations violate the religious liberty of its members … [and] violate the temple’s religious teachings.

The Equality Act And The Abolition Of Women

Written by Dr. Everett Piper

On Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Equality Act by a vote of 224-206.

Proponents of the legislation, such as U.S. Representative David Cicilline, Rhode Island Democrat, declared, “Every American deserves respect and dignity and [this is why it’s] important that the Equality Act become law …”

But here’s the thing: He’s lying. And so is every single Democrat who aligns with him and parrots this deceptive blather.… Continue Reading