Interfaith Coalition Challenges Trump Administration’s Religious Liberty Commission
An alliance of diverse religious groups has taken legal action against the Trump administration, alleging the Religious Liberty Commission within the Department of Justice displays an unlawful bias in favor of Christianity.
The lawsuit was submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York by The Interfaith Alliance, the Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, Muslims for Progressive Values, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, and Hindus for Human Rights. This coalition argues that the commission, meant to protect “religious liberty for all Americans,” actually prioritizes a “Judeo-Christian” perspective.
President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Religious Liberty Commission, and Mary Margaret Bush, the commission’s federal officer, are named as defendants in the case.
The lawsuit contends, “This case challenges the composition and secrecy of the Religious Liberty Commission,” highlighting its alleged failure to represent diverse viewpoints. The plaintiffs claim the commission neglects transparency requirements, not disclosing essential documentation for public scrutiny.
According to the lawsuit, the commission’s membership is almost entirely Christian, with only one Orthodox Jewish Rabbi, all advocating the belief that America was founded as a “Judeo-Christian” nation guided by Biblical principles.
The coalition asserts the commission contravenes the Federal Advisory Committee Act, a 1972 law that limits the use of advisory committees deemed “superfluous, secretive, and biased” by the Executive Branch.
In defense, a Department of Justice spokesperson stated that the commission aims to facilitate discussions on civil rights and religious freedom, providing “opportunities for Americans from all walks of life to share their testimonies, concerns, and recommendations.” They added, “The Department of Justice’s mission is to uphold the rule of law and ensure fair and impartial justice for all Americans,” as reported by Courthouse News Service.
The plaintiffs are represented by Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Democracy Forward Foundation. Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United, said in a statement, “The commission’s true purpose and operations can’t be squared with America’s constitutional promise of church-state separation.”
Established by Trump’s executive order in May, the commission comprises 14 members selected by the president to offer diverse perspectives on defending religious liberty in the U.S. It advises the White House Faith Office and the Domestic Policy Council, recommending actions to secure religious liberty.
The commission’s inaugural meeting was held at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., chaired by Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Attendees included Dr. Ben Carson and other notable figures. The commission recently convened its fifth hearing to address antisemitism and religious liberty in the private sector.
During a previous meeting, Mark Rienzi, a professor at The Catholic University of America, remarked on the evolving nature of religious freedom challenges, emphasizing they no longer predominantly stem from internal religious disputes but from secular opposition.
“These days, frankly, I don’t think it so much comes from religious people trying to use government to stamp out people with unpopular views,” Rienzi noted. “I think it’s now more often anti or irreligious folks who want to wield the government to stamp out views that are wrong. And I think the truth is, whether it’s the religious people or the opponents of religion, it’s wrong.”
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
