On October 23rd, Interfaith Alliance and Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, in collaboration with a coalition of religious and civil rights organizations, filed an amicus brief in the case of St. Mary Catholic Parish in Littleton v. Roy, advocating that while freedom of religion is crucial, it should not be used as a justification for discriminating against LGBTQ+ individuals. We collectively support Colorado's Universal Preschool Program, which mandates that all participating providers adhere to anti-discrimination rules regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. This ensures that LGBTQ+ families can access services without facing stigma.
The coalition emphasizes that these neutral rules apply universally, reinforcing that protecting marginalized groups is a fundamental public interest, even when it may conflict with certain religious beliefs. Colorado's Preschool program's equal-opportunity requirement is specifically designed to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
In response, the plaintiffs, comprised of religious schools, including St. Mary Catholic Parish, are challenging this requirement. They argue that compliance with these anti-discrimination rules burdens their religious freedom, asserting they should be exempt due to their beliefs. However, court rulings have consistently established that generally applicable laws, even unintentionally affecting religious practices, do not receive special scrutiny.
Under this program, all participating schools, whether religious or secular, must follow rules prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Allowing religious groups to bypass essential regulations, such as providing inclusive lunches for all children, could lead to harmful consequences and undermine public safety.
Many LGBTQ+ families, including those of diverse religious traditions, actively seek inclusive educational environments for their children. Permitting any form of discrimination contradicts the fundamental promise of equality in America. Upholding this requirement is crucial for protecting the rights and dignity of all families, ensuring a welcoming and affirming environment for everyone. Our coalition's advocacy highlights the importance of equality and inclusion in publicly funded programs, fostering a society where all families can thrive, regardless of their identities.
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Interfaith Alliance Opposes the Antisemitism Awareness Act (AAA)
On April 29th, Interfaith Alliance joined our colleagues at over 30 other organizations across civil society in opposing the Antisemitism Awareness Act (AAA). By giving the federal government the power to withhold funding from organizations who run afoul of a particular definition of antisemitism, the AAA would needlessly stifle political free speech and empower the administration’s repressive agenda.
Rally for Patients’ Rights: A Day at the Supreme Court
On April 2nd, I joined Policy Intern Jeffrey Jordan and Policy and Advocacy Associate Tranée McDonald at the “Rally for Patient’s Rights” outside of the Supreme Court. That week, SCOTUS was hearing arguments on whether Medicaid patients would retain their right to choose their healthcare provider, stemming from South Carolina’s attempt to defund Planned Parenthood. The case, which began in 2018 when South Carolina’s governor barred Planned Parenthood of South Atlantic from providing Medicaid-funded services, threatens not only Planned Parenthood’s operations but could also reshape how states control access to healthcare.
New Interfaith Alliance Memo Details Trump Admin’s Attacks on Faith Communities
Trump announced at the National Prayer Prayer Breakfast an EO on countering ‘anti Christian bias,’ yet Interfaith Alliance is calling out the Trump administration for “incendiary and unprecedented attacks on faith communities”.