ADF in the News

	Religion News Service: How do we weigh a floral designer’s dignity and freedom against state coercion?
Image source: Alliance Defending Freedom As American culture shifts, the U.S. Supreme Court finds itself in an extraordinary position—deciding if government officials have the power to force their views on others. While the First Amendment guarantees freedoms of speech, expression, and religion, activists have discarded the idea of a tolerant, respectful society for one that is governed by compelled viewpoints. One target of this new ideology is Barronelle Stutzman. As the owner of Arlene's Flowers in Washington, Barronelle has had the opportunity to build a relationship with customers over the years. When one longtime customer and friend asked her to create an arrangement for his same-sex wedding, Barronelle told him that she could not because of her faith. When the state of Washington and the ACLU learned about this, they doggedly pursued Barronelle for every penny she has. Writing at Religion News Service, ADF Senior Vice President for U.S. Legal Advocacy Kristen Waggoner says that the Supreme Court has an opportunity to hear Barronelle's case and protect the First Amendment freedoms we already have. -The Editors

• Professor sanctioned for not using preferred pronouns not giving up fight against censorship
  -The Washington Examiner
• Professor appeals decision dismissing his pronoun lawsuit
  -The College Fix
• The SPLC’s Fake Internal Review
  -National Review
• Christian groups urge court to uphold ruling allowing religious student clubs to choose their leaders
  -The Christian Post

Religious Freedom

	Christian Woman: After Years in Court, the Larsens can now Tell Wedding Stories
Image source: Alliance Defending Freedom Telescope Media Group has launched a new website. And it features a new page dedicated to something Minnesota filmmakers Carl and Angel Larsen have been waiting to do for a long time: telling wedding stories. As ADF’s Maureen Collins writes, for years Carl and Angel have been wanting to create wedding films that celebrate God’s design for marriage. But according to Minnesota officials, if the Larsens created these films, state law would force them to create other wedding films that convey messages about marriage in conflict with their core beliefs. So with ADF’s help, the Larsens decided to challenge this unjust law. Years later, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit ruled in their favor. Now, Carl and Angel can finally use their filmmaking talents to celebrate God’s design for marriage. -The Editors Read more at Christian Woman

• Religious freedom watchdog warns that pandemic conditions have worsened persecution by China and Iran
  -The Washington Examiner
• Now More than Ever, Free-Speech Is Worth Defending
  -National Review
• Far-Left’s Shameful Intolerance of Faith-Based Adoption Agencies Hurts Kids
  -The Daily Signal
• Harvard’s new religious freedom clinic hasn't opened yet. Already, it's under attack.
  -Campus Reform

Marriage and Family

	AZ Central: My bill to protect girls' sports is about fairness
Image source: Alliance Defending Freedom It used to be widely accepted that girls competing against girls ensured a level playing field. But this idea is now under attack. That’s why ADF filed a recent lawsuit on behalf of Selina Soule, Alanna Smith, and Chelsey Mitchell against the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference, challenging its policy that allows males to claim a female identity and compete against girls in high school sports. In response to that suit, state politicians are stepping up to protect fairness in girls’ sports. Writing at AZ Central, State Rep. Nancy Barto explains that the situation in Connecticut spurred her to introduce legislation that would keep girls in Arizona from facing a similar hurdle. According to Rep. Barto, swift action is needed; otherwise Arizona girls will become spectators of their own sports. -The Editors Read more at AZ Central

• ACLU threatens to sue if Idaho passes law ensuring fairness in women’s sports
  -The Blaze
• Doctor Says Puberty Blocker Study Had Significant Flaws
  -The Daily Signal
• Local bishop ‘concerned’ over new LGBTQ clinic at Catholic university
  -The College Fix
• Judge rules Alaska must fund librarian’s gender transition surgery
  -Life Site News

Sanctity of Life

	CNS News: What If PETA Were Forced to Hire Recreational Hunters?
Image source: Alliance Defending Freedom A New York law forces pro-life organizations like CompassCare to employ people who don't agree with the pro-life mission. To put that into perspective, ADF’s Sarah Kramer says this would be like asking PETA to hire someone who spends the weekends hunting. In response, CompassCare, First Bible Baptist Church, and the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates have challenged the law, seeking to restore pro-life organizations’ right to honor their conscience in making hiring decisions. As Kramer says, the government should protect—not threaten—the freedom of religious and pro-life organizations to employ people who share their mission and beliefs. -The Editors Read more at CNS News

• Massachusetts Bans ‘Non-Essential’ Procedures Like Colonoscopies, Knee Replacements, Allows Abortions
  -The Daily Caller
• Abortion Advocates Worry About 'Threat' to 'Essential' Abortions During Coronavirus
  -NewsBusters
• How My Pregnancy Exposed The Silent Genocide Of Babies With Down Syndrome
  -The Federalist
• The Last Pro-Life Democrat
  -National Review

Latest News Releases

• SPLC issues ‘hate report’ in midst of Coronavirus pandemic
  -March 18, 2020
• Faith-based campus groups at U. of Iowa: We have right to determine our leaders like others
  -March 11, 2020
• Professor appeals decision that lets Shawnee State force him to speak contrary to his beliefs
  -March 12, 2020