By Adam Friedman
As state legislative sessions kick off this week, Interfaith Alliance affiliates are mobilizing to protect civil rights, push back against Christian nationalist policies, and uphold democratic values. Across the country, from Hawaii to Florida, IA affiliates are partnering with issue-advocacy organizations to counter legislation that threaten the values of inclusivity, equality, and free expression. This year, several troubling trends are already emerging in state legislatures:
- Promoting a Narrow Religious Agenda in Public Schools: Bills are being introduced that mandate the display of the Ten Commandments, encourage prayer during school hours, and integrate religious curriculum into public education. These efforts threaten the core American value of religious freedom by imposing a singular religious perspective in spaces meant to welcome all students.
- Targeting Transgender and LGBTQ+ Communities: State legislatures are introducing an increasing number of bills targeting transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals. These include measures to restrict transgender rights, ban gender-affirming care, and criminalize LGBTQ+ identities and expression, often using religion as a justification. These bills not only further marginalize vulnerable communities but also seek to codify discrimination under the guise of public policy.
- Tax Dollars to Religious Institutions: Legislative proposals are emerging that would divert public funds to private religious schools through voucher schemes. These measures blur the lines between church and state, take resources away from public education, and force taxpayers to fund institutions that reflect narrow religious viewpoints.
Actions Across the States
Advocating for Pluralism in Public Schools
In Oklahoma, Interfaith Alliance and The Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma are monitoring legislation that would require public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms. Such proposals threaten to alienate students from diverse faith traditions and undermine the neutrality of public education. In Florida, IA of Southwest Florida is closely tracking bills that would allow prayer in public schools, which would infringe on the religious freedom of students and educators.
Defending LGBTQ+ Rights
In Alabama and Iowa, numerous bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community are being introduced, including measures to ban gender-affirming care for minors and restrict LGBTQ+ inclusion in public spaces. These efforts further marginalize individuals based on their identity, with the aim to erase queer people from public life. Interfaith Alliance affiliates are working alongside local advocates to track these developments and push back against policies that threaten rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Protecting Democratic Norms
In Pennsylvania and North Dakota, Interfaith Alliance affiliates are closely watching legislative initiatives that could undermine voting access and fair representation through gerrymandering. In Wyoming, efforts are focused on monitoring proposals to divert public funds to private religious schools through voucher programs, which could weaken public education and blur the lines between church and state.
Fighting Censorship in the South
The newly formed IA of South Carolina is collaborating with organizations like the ACLU to address book bans and censorship while fostering a more inclusive vision for the future.
Moving Forward Together
The legislative battles unfolding in statehouses this year highlight the importance of vigilance and collective action. Interfaith Alliance affiliates are standing at the forefront, ensuring that faith is a source of inclusion, not division. Through strategic advocacy, community engagement, and partnerships, they are working to safeguard our democracy and uphold the principles of equality and justice.
For updates on these efforts or to learn how you can support this work, visit our affiliate page and join your local Interfaith Alliance affiliate. Together, we can build a nation where everyone has the freedom to live, love, and believe as they choose.
Adam Friedman is the Organizing & Elections Strategist at Interfaith Alliance.