"For a public school district to incorporate religious activities into an official district event is a clear violation of the Constitution,” said Kenneth Upton, Senior Litigation Counsel for Americans United. “Our country’s educators are already under tremendous pressure as they begin an unprecedented new school year amid the coronavirus pandemic. That stress should not be compounded by requiring employees to participate in religious activities and proselytization at work.”

“Rep. Lewis’ significance in American history can’t be overstated," said AU CEO Rachel Laser. "He cemented his legacy as an intersectional civil rights icon who worked tirelessly to ensure that every American is treated equally regardless of the color of their skin, who they love or what they believe. We thank him for including church-state separation and religious freedom among the important issues he championed, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his friends and family.”

“New Mexico’s public health orders do not violate religious freedom; they ensure that religious freedom is not misused to endanger people’s lives," said AU Associate Legal Director Alex J. Luchenitser.

“Today the Supreme Court put its stamp of approval on the Trump administration’s exploitation of religious freedom at the expense of birth control coverage for workers, students and their families," AU CEO Rachel Laser said. "It’s 2020: We should not have to say again that birth control is essential to people’s health and equality. Religious freedom includes the right to believe as you see fit, not to impose your beliefs on or discriminate against others."

“Houses of worship and religious schools get to decide religious matters without government intrusion, but they shouldn’t get a free pass to fire all educators based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability and other categories for which discrimination is legally forbidden," CEO Rachel Laser said. "The ministerial exception is meant to apply only to genuine faith leaders."