First Liberty Briefing: Recent Episodes
First Liberty Institute
First Liberty Briefing is an exclusive podcast hosted by First Liberty Institute’s Deputy General Counsel Jeremy Dys.
In about 90-seconds, three times a week, Jeremy recalls the stories that have shaped America’s religious liberty, from the founding era to current legal battles and more. It’s an insider’s look at the stories, cases, people, and laws that have made America the world’s leader in protecting religious liberty.
A lawsuit against an Indiana Sheriff that refused to supply its Muslim inmates with a Halal diet has been dismissed. After the ACLU filed suit in 2016, the Sheriff has agreed to provide the Halal diet to the inmates. Learn how RFRA help prevent a county official from substantially burdening the free exercise of religion at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
The Liberty Christian Center in Watertown, New York, asked for permission to use the Watertown High School Cafeteria for its religious services. The local school board denied the application and use of school property. Learn what the Constitution says about the issue at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
The wait for the Supreme Court nomination is now over. His qualifications for the office are unquestionable. But what does his record reflect on the issue of religious liberty? Learn more about Judge Gorsuch at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
The Islamic Society of Basking Ridge New Jersey has fought city hall for the last four years. The city rejected 9 applications, held 39 public hearings and buried the Islamic Society in endless paperwork to deny them access to build the mosque. Learn more about how the Department of Justice helped defend religious freedom at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
Protecting the rights of minority American religions like Sikhism, Native American religions and Islam help protect mainstream or majority religions. Learn more about the cases that help further all religions at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
Ricky Knight and Billy Two Feathers filed a lawsuit on behalf of several of their fellow inmates in the Alabama Department of Corrections. The lawsuit challenged the department’s “short-hair policy”. Learn how the court decided on the case at FirstLiberty.org.
Many of the stories you hear on the First Liberty Briefing come from the cases we are working on at First Liberty Institute. Others are drawn from the body of cases that we use to ply our religious liberty trade. But, many of the stories that we tell are drawn from Undeniable, our annual survey on religious hostility in America. Learn more about our annual survey at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
A veterans memorial known as the “Big Mountain Jesus” honors World War II soldiers from the Army’s 10th Mountain Division and stands tall atop Big Mountain in the Flathead National Forest. But one group wanted to get rid of the memorial because of its religious nature. Learn more at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing
Today, Donald Trump will recite the oath of office, likely ending with the traditional declaration, “So help me God.” Some question whether George Washington actually said “So help me God,” starting a tradition maintained by most of our presidents. But, we do know Washington’s other words. Learn more at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
The Religious Freedom Restoration Act requires a state to provide a compelling justification before it may substantially burden the free exercise of religion. But, just what is a substantial burden? Learn more at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
City elders in City of Port Jervis, New York passed an ordinance that banned houses of worship to use land within a designated business district. Learn more about how the Department of Justice intervened at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
A group of atheists, filed a lawsuit against the United States Congress, the Department of the Treasury, the U.S. Mint, the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and, for good measure, the United States of America in a failed bid to invalidate the national motto from our currency. Learn more at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
Two active duty chaplains prayed at an event held to honor outgoing congressman Randy Forbes. An activist group insisted that the Department of Defense investigate the matter thoroughly, review the content of the prayers offered by these chaplains, and discipline the chaplains for participating in what it called a, “fundamentalist Christian supremacy event.” Learn more at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
Houston health care company fired young Catholic immigrant, Alexia Palma, for being unwilling to promote contraception. Learn more about Alexia’s story at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Kersten was interviewed for a story by the base newspaper entitled, “Meet Your Leadership.” One question really annoyed Mikey Weinstein, an activist that often decries the presence of religion within the United States Military. Learn more at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
An Amish group in Western Kentucky is claiming that the City of Auburn is targeting them with a horse manure ordinance. The question is, how should we balance religious liberty and health safety concerns in America. For more, listen at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
The Akebono Brake Corportaion hired Clintoria Burneett in 2014 to fulfill the job of Washer Inspector. But when her religious beliefs prohibit her from wearing pants, the company sought to withdraw their offer of employment. Learn more about Clintoria’s story at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
Charles Mack, a federal inmate and practicing Muslim faced religious discrimination by corrections officers during his employment at the commissary. A Court of Appeals found that, “inmates do not relinquish their First Amendment right to petition”, allowing him to sue the officers under RFRA. Learn more at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
In 1993, RFRA or the Religious Freedom Restoration Act was passed by a bi-partisan vote in Congress. Learn why RFRA is important to both Liberals and Conservatives alike at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
The First Church of Cannabis in Indiana claims the Religious Freedom Restoration Act should protect their practice of marijuana use although it’s considered an illegal substance in the state. Learn more at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
For 39 years, Lubavitch Youth Organization has lit a 36-foot tall menorah at a corner of midtown Manhattan as a symbol of freedom, strength, inspiration, the Jewish faith and religious liberty. Learn more about how different faiths exercise their religious liberty at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
Former NFL players, Steve Largent and Chad Hennings along with two Seattle high school coaches filed friend-of-the-court briefs in support of Coach Kennedy’s right to take a knee after games. Learn more at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
Livingston Christian School was denied access to use a local church building. Learn more about how First Liberty is defending the school at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
A woman in Indiana attempted to use that state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act to justify her abusive behavior, but the state ruled against her defense. Learn more about how RFRA works at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
Iknoor Sigh, a Sikh college student enlisted in ROTC, was denied admission to the Army unless he cut his hair, shaved his beard and removed his turban denying him of his individual religious expression. Learn how a Federal court decided his case at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
Peter Manseau was hired as the first curator of religion in over 100 years for the Smithsonian Institution. The curator hopes to tell the story of religion in and its significance to America’s founding. To learn more about religion’s role in American history, listen at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
The Supreme Court decided in Wisconsin v. Yoder that families can homeschool their children in accordance with their religious beliefs setting a precedent for an individual’s right to free exercise of religion. Learn more at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing
The city of Austin, Texas targeted a Christian Pregnancy Resource Center by forcing the ministry to post signs disclaiming the services they did not perform, while pro-abortion groups were not required to post any sign or disclaimer. Learn more about how we fought and won the case at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
The city of Sinton, Texas passed an ordinance that prevented a halfway house, ministry conducted by a pastor and ex-con, to run within 1,000 feet of any church.
Ethicists are recommending that Canadian doctors should not be allowed to opt out of providing services to patients, even if it goes against their conscience.
First-grader Caleb Zavala enjoyed talking about Bible verses and Bible stories with his friends. But the school wanted none of it — and sent a sheriff’s deputy to his home to tell him to stop. Listen now at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
A vice-principle argued that any religious speech-event student-initiated religious speech is state speech. But, the United States Court of Appeals had something to say about it. Learn more about student rights at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
A New York town was at the center of an atheist’s demands to remove religious references from an annual Christmas event. Listen at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing
Lieutenant Junior Grade Aloysius H. Schmitt, a catholic priest better known as “Father Schmitt”, selflessly helps sailors escape during an attack. Learn more about this hero at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
Gregory Holt was granted permission by the Supreme Court to grow his beard while in prison in accordance with his Islamic faith.
An animal-rights group targeted Orthodox Jews on the eve of Yom Kippur for conducting a traditional religious practice.
A Freshman at Georgia State University was requested by her professor to remove her niqab, a religious head covering worn by some Muslim women, but the university stepped in. Listen at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
Navy Chaplain Father Joseph O’Callahan, helped save his fellow sailors during an attack from Japanese bombs. Learn how President Truman honored the brave Chaplain at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
In 2003, the head of Summum church wrote to the mayor of Pleasant Grove proposing to give to the city a permanent monument to be erected in the city park, but declined. Learn what the Supreme Court said regarding the matter at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
UPS refused to modify an employee’s schedule so he could attend an annual religious observance of his faith. Learn more about this story at FirstLiberty.org
Private Desmond Doss, a devout Seventh Day Adventist, was drafted to serve in WWII but chose to follow his conscience by refusing to pick up a weapon to kill. Learn more about this Conscientious Objector case at FirstLiberty.org.
The United States honors religious liberty even in times of war. Listen to a story about one Jehovah’s Witness on FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
This practicing Sikh was excited to answer his summons for jury duty — but authorities wouldn’t let him into the courthouse. Find out why at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
This manager didn’t mind giving Nowran Busgith a Saturdays off — UNTIL he learned it was for religious purposes. Find out what happened at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing
Is it a violation of religious freedom to force someone to remove a scarf they wear for religious purposes? Find out in this episode and learn more at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
A Satanist was imprisoned and fined after defacing a Jewish academy’s religious objects. But he didn’t understand one important truth about religious freedom.
Senior Brooks Hamby was told that if he talked about religion during his graduation speech, his mic would be shut off. He did it anyway. Find out what happened: FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
School officials censored a club sponsor’s company logo because its slogan incorporated included the words, “It’s not about us, it’s all about Jesus”. Learn more on: FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
Even in outer space, Americans have religious liberty. Listen: FirstLiberty.org/Briefing
One airman complained because Air Force Major Steve Lewis had an open Bible on his private desk. Listen to how the Air Force responded: FirstLiberty.org/Briefing
This Georgia county tried to prevent the building of a Mosque by banning any new houses of worship. Here’s why that violated the First Amendment: FirstLiberty.org/Briefing
The Bladensburg WWI Veterans Memorial was erected to honor 49 veterans who gave their lives for their nation—but one group is suing to tear it down. Find out why: FirstLiberty.org/Briefing
One activist group complained that a new holocaust memorial in Ohio violated the Establishment Clause because it featured a Star of David. Find out what happened: FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
Do employers have to accommodate their employees’ religious exercise? The answer at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
Can the government tell you not to pray—in your own home? Find out: FirstLiberty.org/Briefing
A lawsuit challenged Ohio’s state motto, “With God All Things Are Possible.” But the lawsuit was rejected. Hear why the Court affirmed the motto’s constitutionality: FirstLiberty.org/Briefing
A school tried telling one teacher that she couldn’t participate in a religious club after school hours. But a court ruled that they were wrong. Hear why: FirstLiberty.org/Briefing
How many amendments were originally proposed for the Bill of Rights? Was the First Amendment always the first? Find out by listening to FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
Did you know that some of the most beautiful protections for religious liberty are found in the constitutions of each state? Find out what they say: FirstLiberty.org/Briefing
When a Colorado company abruptly changed is policy to prevent Muslim employees from taking breaks to pray, the employees chose to lose their job rather than violate their faith. Listen to what could happen to the company over their discrimination: FirstLiberty.org/Briefing
Thanks to a discriminatory zoning ordinance, Opulent Life Church of Holly Springs, Mississippi was denied permission to hold services in an empty building on the town square. Find out what happened at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
Liz dared to stand for religious liberty in her school. As a result, the lives of students have been deeply impacted. Be inspired by her story: FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
This Pennsylvania town denied the local Muslim congregation the right to build a mosque. That town is wrong. Here’s why: FirstLiberty.org/Briefing
If you’ve heard of the push for ‘After School Satan’ clubs, you might be worried about your children’s school. Here’s the trap they want you to fall for — and why you shouldn’t fall for it. Listen at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
When viewed this way, religious liberty points to a higher moral authority. Find out more at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
Does a sign pointing out directions to a church violate the First Amendment? This court said no. Find out why at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
Mackenzie Fraiser was told she couldn’t include a Bible verse in her class assignment. First Liberty sent the school a demand letter. Hear the story at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
One cook at a Walt Disney resort was fired because he wouldn’t cut off his dreadlocks — a key component of his religious expression as a Rastafarian. Listen at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
High school student John Raney was told that religious clubs were illegal in New York. But the Equal Access Act of 1984 says something different. Find out what at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
The Florida Department of Corrections stopped accommodating inmates who kept a kosher diet because it was “too expensive.” Find out what happens at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing
Fifth-grader Giovanni Rubeo was told to stop reading his Bible during free reading time at school. Find out how First Liberty responded at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
This practicing Sikh wasn’t willing to compromise his beliefs for the sake of a job. Fortunately, religious freedom ensured that he didn’t have to. Find the story at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
Since George Washington in 1789, U.S. Presidents have ended their oath with, “so help me God.” Here’s why attempts to stop the tradition have failed. Learn more at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.
5-year-old Gabriella Perez was told to stop praying over her lunch at school. Gabriella’s response? “It’s good to pray.” Learn more at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing
Judge Wayne Mack of Texas was investigated for allowing volunteer chaplains to open county court sessions in prayer. Find out what happened — visit FirstLiberty.org/JudgeMack.
A secularist group bullied this county commissioner into removing Bible verses from her email signature — but here’s why she didn’t have to. Learn more at FirstLiberty.org
Even in times of war, America’s dedication to the rights of conscience is unwavering. Listen to find out why. A Turkish man requested religious accommodation for required military service in Turkey and was denied. But America, we are blessed to be able to live in accordance with our religious conscience. Learn more at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing
Equal Employment means providing religious accommodation for individuals. Listen now to hear how one employee fought for his right to practice his faith freely in the workplace. Learn more at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing
Coach Kennedy was fired for praying. Now First Liberty is suing the school district. Learn more at FirstLiberty.org/CoachKennedy
How the National Park Service protects religious freedom in at this ancient landmark. Learn more at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing
Employees of this company could take an unscheduled break to smoke, but not to pray. Learn more at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing
Sometimes it is hard to find the balance between protecting religious freedom and governing the public square. Listen now to hear how the state of Georgia addressed the issue. Learn more at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing
When a high school graduating class was told they could not sing a rendition of the Lord’s Prayer, they stood up for their religious freedom and recited it instead. Listen now to hear about this incredible stand for religious freedom.
How many people live without #ReligousLiberty? 5.3 billion, 3/4 of the world’s population.
Did you know that the original design of Mt. Rushmore also included a brief history of the United States that recognized the divine hand of God? Listen to learn more.
A Utah resident threatened to sue his city if it did not cancel a Michael W. Smith concert--just because Smith is religious!
On the First Liberty Briefing this morning: The history of our national motto, “In God We Trust”.
On today’s First Liberty Briefing: Listen to this federal court’s response when NYPD fired an Orthodox Jew was fired over his beard length.
A distinguished researcher estimates that religion benefits America by almost $3 trillion per year. So why are we attacking religion?
These senior citizens were threatened with arrest for praying at their senior center. Listen to First Liberty’s response.
On the First Liberty Briefing today: What this Wyoming landmark can teach us about religious freedom in America
On the First Liberty Briefing today: Sign saying “God Bless” saved after atheists grumble that the sign does not reflect the diversity of beliefs on Hawaii military base
By banning Coach Kennedy’s prayers, school officials are sending a dangerous message to teachers and students everywhere.
The State of Iowa is claiming authority to regulate what churches can teach and how they can use their facilities. First Liberty is pushing back.
On today's First Liberty Briefing: How America's Founding Father's recognized the importance of religious liberty during the Declaration of Independence.
On today’s First Liberty Briefing: How the free religious exercise of one Native American group was protected.
The Supreme Court refused to consider the appeal of a family-owned pharmacy that attempted to operate their business according to their conscience. Justice Samuel Alito calls the decision an “ominous sign” for religious liberty.
On today’s First Liberty Briefing: The government ordered this cross-shaped memorial be covered up with a bag to hide its cross shape—but First Liberty fought back. Learn more at www.FirstLiberty.org
On the First Liberty Briefing this morning: Is America at its Best When We Accommodate Individual’s Religious Practices? Or When We Exclude Them?
This decorated Air Force Veteran was forcefully removed from a retirement ceremony for planning to mention ‘God!’ Listen Now.
Abercrombie and Fitch refused to hire one woman because of her religious headscarf. Learn more about our cases and receive free resources at FirstLiberty.org
Preventing the government from choosing your next minister. Learn more about our cases and receive free resources at FirstLiberty.org
Atheists complain, but a town applauds a student’s prayer. Learn more about our cases and receive free resources at FirstLiberty.org
How the Constitution honors conscientious objectors. Learn more about our cases and receive free resources at FirstLiberty.org
How one town’s practice of prayer found support at the Supreme Court. Learn more about our cases and receive free resources at FirstLiberty.org