Commonwealth Policy Center

Two recent Supreme Court rulings shore up Americans’ right to religious freedom. First, the Court decided in favor of Gerald Groff, a postman who lost his job because the Postal Service refused to let him take Sundays off as a day of rest and worship. A unanimous decision ruled that employers must respect religious protections unless there is a substantial cost. Another ruling upheld the free speech rights of graphic designer Lori Smith, who refuses to design same-sex wedding websites. The government cannot force anyone to say something they don’t believe. Both of these rulings make clear that Americans are free to express their religious beliefs more than ever and something everyone—regardless of their political affiliation—can be thankful for.