Americans United for Separation of Church and State

AU urges Tennessee court to rule for Rutan-Rams – Jewish couple denied foster care services - Americans United AU urged a Tenn. court to rule in favor of the Rutan-Rams, a Jewish couple denied services by a state-funded, religiously affiliated foster care agency.

AU urges Tennessee court to rule for Rutan-Rams – Jewish couple denied foster care services
www.au.org/the-latest/p...

Fifth Circuit: Too soon to rule on constitutionality of Louisiana Ten Commandments law - Americans United AU & allies disappointed at the 5th Circuit's ruling that it is premature to determine the constitutionality of the Louisiana Ten Commandments display law.

BREAKING: Fifth Circuit: Too soon to rule on constitutionality of Louisiana Ten Commandments law

www.au.org/the-latest/p...

Trump has chipped away at the long-standing wall between church and state. It’s just the beginning | CNN Politics A series of faith initiatives championed by the White House has led to a systematic religious revival within the government’s operations, culture and policy.

“We are in the early stages,” said Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, “but this is a policy-making effort.”

www.cnn.com/2026/02/15/p...

Americans United denounces Trump’s Christian Nationalist remarks at National Prayer Breakfast - Americans United AU denounced Trump’s remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast for corrupting religious freedom & church-state separation to advance Christian Nationalism.

AU denounced Trump’s remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast for corrupting religious freedom & church-state separation to advance Christian Nationalism.
www.au.org/the-latest/p...

AU files third lawsuit over Trump’s Anti-Christian Bias Task Force executive order - Americans United As part of an investigation into President Trump's Anti-Christian Bias Task Force, AU filed a FOIA lawsuit against the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services.

BREAKING: Americans United files THIRD lawsuit over Trump’s Anti-Christian Bias Task Force www.au.org/the-latest/p...

AU urges federal appeals court to protect religious freedom, LGBTQ+ workers - Americans United AU and allies urged the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to affirm that religious freedom does not give Catholic Relief Services a license to discriminate against an LGBTQ+ worker by compensating him...

BREAKING: AU urges federal appeals court to protect religious freedom, LGBTQ+ workers

www.au.org/the-latest/p...

What ‘Stranger Things’ reveals about fighting white Christian Nationalism - Americans United Collective action was required to defeat the Upside Down in "Stranger Things." The same force is needed to fight the real-life threat of Christian Nationalism.

Across the world, millions of people celebrated the end of 2025 by watching the final episodes of Netflix’s epic series, “Stranger Things.” Some familiar themes emerged - did you catch them?

www.au.org/the-latest/a...

Americans United CEO Rachel Laser appointed to U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom - Americans United Americans United President and CEO Rachel Laser was appointed by Sen. Chuck Schumer to serve on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.

BREAKING: Americans United CEO Rachel Laser appointed to U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

www.au.org/the-latest/p...

Breaking news graphic stating: Texas families file class action lawsuit to stop public school districts from displaying texts from the Ten Commandments. Source: au.org.

Rachel Laser speaks at a microphone with a quote beside her criticizing politicians for imposing a religious agenda on Texas school children.

Graphic with a quote about family and religion decisions, attributed to Rachel. The background is dark with geometric design elements.

BREAKING NEWS! Texas Families file CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT to stop Texas public school districts from displaying the Ten Commandments www.au.org/the-latest/p...

Rolling Stone magazine quote graphic featuring a statement by Andrew L. Seidel, which reads, "The court should not let Christian nationalists collude with democracy. And if it does, Americans should not stand for it."

Screenshot of a Rolling Stone article discussing opposition to the Christian Nationalists Amendments, with a focus on the IRS and court challenges against new legislative changes.

Screenshot of a Rolling Stone article discussing the financial oversight of churches and their exemption from filing IRS Form 990, focusing on the implications for political spending and transparency.

Article excerpt discussing a federal court hearing with arguments from two churches and Michael Farris about the impact of political endorsements by churches on their tax exemption, mentioning the Citizens United Supreme Court decision.

The Court Case That Could Blow the Roof Off Political Spending Christian nationalists are teaming up with Donald Trump's administration to argue that churches should be able to spend on political campaigns.

Americans United's @andrewlseidel.bsky.social l has written an op-ed for Rolling Stone on the upcoming court case about the Johnson Amendment. www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...

Today, Americans United for Separation of Church and State honors all those who have been victims of violence because of who they are, and the people who love them.

Breaking news graphic stating a win for church-state separation as a judge orders Texas school districts to remove the Ten Commandments.

Rachel Laser speaks, holding a microphone, about Texas school districts not displaying the Ten Commandments in the classroom.

A graphic with a quote by Rachel Texas that reads, "Families throughout Texas decide how and when their children engage with religion – not politicians or public-school officials." The background is teal with white and darker teal geometric outlines.

A WIN for church-state separation! Today, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction requiring certain public school districts in Texas to remove Ten Commandments displays by Dec. 1, 2025, and prohibiting them from posting new displays. www.au.org/the-latest/p...

Image featuring a portrait of Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, with a quote about existing without permission and having a reason and history. Miss Major is depicted with a serious expression against a green background.

Image featuring Miss Major Griffin-Gracy against an navy backdrop with a quote about overcoming self-hatred and becoming stronger through tough social situations.

The separation of church and state is key to making sure everyone, including transgender people, can live openly and without fear of discrimination in their workplaces, schools, health care, and public spaces. Put another way, it protects our freedom to be different.

Graphic image with text stating, "BREAKING NEWS SCOTUS protects LGBTQ+ children from harmful conversion 'therapy' practices," and includes the logo for au.org on a blue background.

Quote by Rachel Laser on a teal background, advocating for protection of children from harm under the guise of 'religious freedom' and opposing conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth.

Rachel Laser is speaking into a microphone while sitting, with a quote about Alliance Defending Freedom next to her.

Image of Rachel Laser, with a quote about the importance of separation of church and state in America, emphasizing freedom for individuals as long as they do not harm others.

Americans United for Separation of Church and State President and CEO Rachel Laser issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court hearing oral argument today in the Chiles v. Salazar case: www.au.org/the-latest/p...

Rachel Laser speaking at an event, seated with a microphone, with a quote about church-state separation overlaying the image.

“Church-state separation is under severe threat from Christian Nationalists who want to impose their narrow beliefs on all of us. This House resolution is a breath of fresh air ... our country needs a national recommitment to the separation of church and state before it’s too late." - Rachel Laser

U.S. Representative Jared Huffman speaking at a podium with a quote about church-state separation and religious freedom.

Representative Jamie Raskin speaking, with a quote about defending the separation between church and state in America.

@rephuffman.bsky.social @raskin.house.gov

Breaking news graphic from Americans United, celebrating a Congressional resolution that honors the separation of church and state. Visit au.org for more information.

Image of Yassamin Ansari holding a microphone and speaking, with a quote about the importance of democratic rights and the First Amendment, and mentioning challenges under the Trump administration.

BREAKING: AU President and CEO Rachel Laser issued the following statement in response to @repyassansari.bsky.social (D-Ariz.), @rephuffman.bsky.social (D-Calif.) and @raskin.house.gov (D-Md.) introducing a Congressional resolution honoring church-state separation:
www.au.org/the-latest/p...

Religious Liberty Commission lauds Kirk, hears Coach Kennedy The evangelical Christian church in America is under attack, Jentezen Franklin told members of President Donald Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission at the start of their third meeting Sept. 29. “We’r...

"Yet again, Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission demonstrated that its true purpose is to advance a Christian nationalist agenda and impose one narrow religious view on the nation’s public school children,” - Rachel Laser

baptistnews.com/article/trum...

The secretary, Laser said, is “implicitly coercing his staff or his direct reports” to “follow a religion that’s not their own.”

Article excerpt discussing the influence of a religious figure on U.S. politics, mentioning Rachel Laser, head of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, criticizing the ultra-conservative Christian group. Includes the logo of Religion News Service.

“This is more the behavior of someone who is running an ultra-conservative Christian, Seven Mountain Mandate, muscular Christianity, spiritual warfare group,” said Rachel Laser, head of the group Americans United for the Separation of Church and State.

Defense Secretary Hegseth tests Constitution in Pentagon worship services (RNS) — Speaking at a recent worship service at the Pentagon, Hegseth said the US needs to be 'in prayer, on bended knee, recognizing the providence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.'

AU in the news:

religionnews.com/2025/09/29/c...

Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission continues Christian Nationalist assault on public education - Americans United AU denounced the latest Religious Liberty Commission hearing for again advancing a Christian Nationalist agenda and ignoring the separation of church and state.

BREAKING: Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission continues Christian Nationalist assault on public education www.au.org/the-latest/p...

Ole Ryan Walters is at it again.

AU helps federal workers assert their religious freedom rights - Americans United To combat Trump administration disinformation about religious freedom in the federal workplace, AU's new campaign helps federal workers know their rights.

AU has published a new Know Your Rights in the federal workplace guide to help fight Trump Administration disinformation! Check it out!

www.au.org/the-latest/p...

Image of a Ryan Walters with text overlay reading "NOT OK" in bold orange letters, set against a monochrome blue background featuring a blurred flag and foliage.

Public schools are NOT Sunday schools, @ryanwalterssupt.bsky.social

Graphic with text "Americans United Victory in Oklahoma!" on a stylized map of Oklahoma, set against an orange background.

Breaking News graphic from au.org stating "Court BLOCKS Ryan Walters' Christian Nationalist social studies standards." The background is orange with blue and white text.

Rachel Laser is pictured smiling, with a quote about ensuring Oklahomans get to decide how and when their children engage with religion.

Image of Rachel Laser against a blue background with an orange quote box. The quote expresses concerns about new standards violating religious freedom by promoting one version of Christianity.

VICTORY IN OKLAHOMA! www.au.org/the-latest/p...

In a victory for religious freedom, church-state separation and public education, the OK Supreme Court today BLOCKED the new social studies standards that would unconstitutionally promote Christianity to public school students.