Religious Liberty

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The First Amendment protects the right to religious liberty. The ACLU of Southern California works to ensure that government does not interfere with people’s exercise of their religion and neither promotes religion over non-religion nor favors particular religious faiths over others.

The ACLU SoCal is not not anti-religion but believes that government must strictly avoid endorsing any religion and should not be seen as expressing hostility towards religion or any religious sect. By ensuring government neutrality in religious matters, the First Amendment protects members of small or unpopular religions from being subjected to oppression or isolation from their government. The principle further protects the majority religion from being politicized by the government and guarantees the right of all persons to practice their religion freely and without government interference.

The Latest

Press Release
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Group of Muslim Women Ejected From Urth Caffe Obtain Settlement

LOS ANGELES — Seven Muslim women ejected from an Urth Caffe restaurant by its management have obtained a settlement agreement requiring the restaurant chain to hold diversity trainings for its employees and update its policies. The group of women, represented by the ACLU Foundation of Southern Calif
Issue Areas: Religious Liberty
Press Release
We are America

ACLU Applauds Governor Brown for Signing Bill to Keep Californians' Data Out of Federal Muslim Registry

Sacramento — Today, Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 31, the California Religious Freedom Act, a bill introduced by Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) to ensure the state of California never participates in a federal Muslim registry. The bill also bars localities from creating their own versions
Press Release
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ACLU Filing Lawsuit Challenging Trump Administration Contraceptive Coverage Rule

Press Release
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Iranian Man Turned Away During First Travel Ban Reaches Settlement with U.S.

Court Case
Aug 01, 2012

Boudlal v. Disney

Court Case
Apr 19, 2005

Khatib v. County of Orange

Court Case
Apr 19, 2005

Islamic Shura Council v. FBI

Court Case
Apr 19, 2005

Fazaga v. FBI