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2 episodes with rachel laser
2 episodes with rachel laser
2 episodes with rachel laser
2 episodes with rachel laser
2 episodes with rachel laser
2 episodes with rachel laser
4 episodes with rachel laser
Send us a textProject 2025 is a comprehensive initiative developed by The Heritage Foundation as a blueprint for any administration willing to take it on. Many people have seen or heard of it in news headlines, but not as many really understand what it actually is or why it matters. Regardless of who wins any election, the elements and ideas in Project 2025 will come up, and parents and allies of the LGBTQ+ community need to be informed. Lawyer, advocate, and strategist Rachel Laser joins Jen In the Den to discuss all the things we need to know about Project 2025.Special Guest: Rachel LaserRachel Laser, Americans United for Separation of Church and StateRachel Laser became president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State in February 2018. She is the organization's first non-Christian and female leader in its 76 year history. Rachel is a lawyer, advocate and strategist who has dedicated her career to making our country more inclusive. In her position at Americans United, Rachel oversees the organization's work to protect freedom of conscience for all and ensure religion is not used to justify discrimination. Prior to coming to AU, Rachel worked as an educator on white privilege and racism and held positions as deputy director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, director of the Culture Program at Third Way and senior counsel at the National Women's Law Center (NWLC). Rachel is a graduate of Harvard University and the University of Chicago Law School. She is a former board member of NARAL Pro-Choice America.Links from the Show:Project 2025 Resource HubA central hub on Project 2025, including explainer videos: AU.org/project2025 Project 2025 Toolkit: Your Guide to Talking About Project 2025Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast
This week, we continue our 2024 Distinguished Pulpit Series by welcoming American United CEO and President Rachel Laser. Live streamed from the sanctuary of Mayflower Congregational UCC Church in Oklahoma City.
Louisiana's 85-mile industrial corridor along the Mississippi River is one of the country's largest hotspots for a cancer-causing chemical called ethylene oxide. The Environmental Protection Agency has found that much of the region is exposed to unsafe levels of the carcinogen, but a new study out of Johns Hopkins University found that in some areas, the exposure was even worse than estimated. The Coastal Desk's Halle Parker sat down with the study's authors, Ellis Robinson and Peter DeCarlo, to talk about their real-time air monitoring work and what it says about how well we know what's in the air.On June 19, Governor Jeff Landry signed a bill into law that requires all Louisiana classrooms to display the 10 commandments, provoking a national debate over the separation of church and state. The bill has also resulted in lawsuits, with a handful of civil rights groups teaming up to target this law they believe violates the constitution. Rachel Laser, CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, one of the groups to file a lawsuit, tells us how this bill represents a rise in Christian nationalism. Then, we hear from Anna Gimilaro, a 4th grade teacher at Morris Jeff Community School in New Orleans, about how this bill may impact students in the classroom. Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber; our contributing producers are Matt Bloom and Adam Vos; we receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at 12:00 and 7:00 pm. It's available on Spotify, Google Play, and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!
The latest Fox News poll says 50 percent of white, rural voters are backing President Biden over Donald Trump. Anyone believe this garbage?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Over the past 15 years, the journalist and author Katherine Stewart has been charting the rise of Christian Nationalism in the United States. On this week's Amicus, Stewart joins Dahlia Lithwick and Rachel Laser of Americans United for Separation of Church and State to discuss the worrying signs of the growing power of extremist christian ideologies at the highest court in the land. Together, they trace shifts in jurisprudence that have emboldened and empowered some of the most extreme fringes of the extreme Christian right, and explain how the changing legal landscape is enabling right wing religious fever dreams to become explicit policy in a document like Project 2025. They all agree on this one thing: This is an episode about much more than flags. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Over the past 15 years, the journalist and author Katherine Stewart has been charting the rise of Christian Nationalism in the United States. On this week's Amicus, Stewart joins Dahlia Lithwick and Rachel Laser of Americans United for Separation of Church and State to discuss the worrying signs of the growing power of extremist christian ideologies at the highest court in the land. Together, they trace shifts in jurisprudence that have emboldened and empowered some of the most extreme fringes of the extreme Christian right, and explain how the changing legal landscape is enabling right wing religious fever dreams to become explicit policy in a document like Project 2025. They all agree on this one thing: This is an episode about much more than flags. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Over the past 15 years, the journalist and author Katherine Stewart has been charting the rise of Christian Nationalism in the United States. On this week's Amicus, Stewart joins Dahlia Lithwick and Rachel Laser of Americans United for Separation of Church and State to discuss the worrying signs of the growing power of extremist christian ideologies at the highest court in the land. Together, they trace shifts in jurisprudence that have emboldened and empowered some of the most extreme fringes of the extreme Christian right, and explain how the changing legal landscape is enabling right wing religious fever dreams to become explicit policy in a document like Project 2025. They all agree on this one thing: This is an episode about much more than flags. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode features a conversation with Rachel Laser, President & CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, protecting the foundational American principle of freedom of religion—including the right to believe or not believe—for all.George & Rachel discuss the intersection of religious freedom and abortion laws. Rachel highlights the importance of church-state separation in preserving religious freedom and democracy. They unpack the role of religious pluralism in America and the necessity of protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their faith. The episode also touches on the challenges of motivating moderate voices and fostering meaningful dialogue across differences.The discussion serves as a prelude to an upcoming event in Dallas focusing on these critical issues:Under G-d: Screening and Discussion on Why Abortion Bans Violate Religious FreedomJune 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pmhttps://faithcommons.org/event/under-g-d-screening-and-discussion-on-why-abortion-bans-violate-religious-freedom/
LIVE FROM SRF is a new limited series from Unreasonable, recorded at the 2024 Summit for Religious Freedom in Washington, D.C., April 13-16.We kick off the series with the event's host, Rachel Laser, Americans United for Separation of Church and State's formidable president and CEO. In this conversation she sets the tone for the amazing and illuminating conversations coming your way by describing the political landscape, the measures AU is taking against religious intrusions on our secular democracy, and the organization's ambitious plans for the future. Thanks for listening! Now follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Threads. And please consider becoming a Patreon supporter at www.patreon.com/podcastunreasonable. It's a small price to pay to help keep America from becoming a theocracy, dontchya think?
A weekly podcast exploring stories at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens. This week: Mitch and Missy rethink Palm Sunday and Holy Week. Guest: Rachel Laser, president and CEO at Americans United for Separation of Church and State. "Good Faith Weekly" is produced out of Norman, Oklahoma. Music is by Pond5. Learn more at www.GoodFaithMedia.org and @GFMediaOrg Americans United ~ https://www.au.org This episode was brought to you by the Summit for Religious Freedom on April 13-16, 2024, in Washington D.C. TheSRF.org has all the details. Use promo code "goodfaith" for 10% off registration.
Last year Oklahoma approved the nation's first tax-payer funded religious charter school. It won't be the last, warns Rachel Laser of Americans United for Church and State. We're joined by Laser and two plaintiffs in a legal effort to keep the school from opening. As our guests explain, the school is part of a larger project to roll back the clock on civil rights, disability rights and labor protections. Now for the good news: tearing down the separation between church and state turns out to be really unpopular. The financial support of listeners like you keeps this podcast going. Subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HaveYouHeardPodcast Or donate on PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/haveyouheardpodcast
In the second installment of "Heavenly Homeland" from the Faithful Politics podcast, we continue our discussion of Christian nationalism with a special focus on the separation of church and state in America. This episode aims to explore how the belief in America as a Christian nation affects politics and laws, especially when it comes to maintaining the boundary between church and state. The discussion highlights historical references, including Thomas Jefferson's 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptist Association, where he articulated the principle of a "wall of separation" between church and state, a concept not explicitly stated in the Constitution but implied in the First Amendment.The episode also brings in perspectives from various experts, including Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Eric Berger and Caroline Mala Corbin, law professor specializing in U.S. constitutional law. They discuss the importance of the separation as a means to protect religious freedoms and prevent the government from favoring one religion over others or over non-religion. The discussion is further enriched by Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee (BJC) for Religious Liberty, emphasizing the necessity of both the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to safeguard religious liberty for all.Significant legal cases, such as the Supreme Court ruling in favor of a high school football coach's right to pray on the field, are examined to illustrate the ongoing debates and challenges surrounding religious freedom and the role of religion in public life. Lastly, Andrew Seidel, Constitutional Lawyer, helps us better understand the potential consequences of the Kennedy v. Bremerton ruling and the impact it may have on the Lemon test, a three-part test for determining when a law violates the Establishment Clause.Listen to the full episodes of each of the guests:"Separation in the Middle" w/Rachel Laser, CEO/President Americans United"Religion, Rights, and Wrongs" w/Caroline Corbin, Professor of Law"Kennedy v. Bremerton: Ruling on a Prayer" w/Amanda Tyler, Executive Director BJC"The Constitution of Vaccines" - w/Professor Eric Berger"Safeguarding the Separation of Church and State" w/ Andrew L. Seidel, Vice President of Strategic Communications for Americans UnitedSupport the showTo learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below: Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/ Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics Subscribe to our Substack: https://faithfulpolitics.substack.com/
BONUS: Rachel Laser, Americans United (pt.1)In this special bonus episode, we share part 1 of David's conversation with Rachel Laser about ARC.Laser is the President and CEO of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State.Hosts: David P. Gushee and Jeremy HallMusic by taketones: Sunset sessions
BONUS: Rachel Laser, Americans United (pt.1)In this special bonus episode, we share part 1 of David's conversation with Rachel Laser about ARC. Laser is the President and CEO of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State.Hosts: David P. Gushee and Jeremy Hall Music by taketones: Sunset sessions
Exclusive to SWAJ - the Freethought Caucus in the House of Representatives held a seminar on Mike Johnson's Christian nationalism. Rep. Jared Huffman chaired the panel and heard comments from Dr. Matthew Taylor, Rachel Laser, President of Americans United, and Darcy Hirsch of the Interfaith Alliance. We are the only media outlet to distribute a recording of the event. Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus episodes, ad-free listening, access to the entire 500-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Freethought Caucus White Paper on Mike Johnson's Christian nationalism: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://huffman.house.gov/imo/media/doc/CFC%20White%20Paper%20--%20Speaker%20Johnson.pdf Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://www.amazon.com/Preparing-War-Extremist-Christian-Nationalism/dp/1506482163 SWAJ Apparel is here! https://straight-white-american-jesus.creator-spring.com/listing/not-today-uncle-ron To Donate:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/BradleyOnishi Venmo: @straightwhitejc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://swaj.supportingcast.fm
Original Air Date 12/24/2022 We compare the far-right religious extremists who are fighting to gain power in the US with the protests against the theocratic regime in Iran supporting women's rights in the country. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) Join our Discord community! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: How a new Christian right is changing US politics - BBC News - Air Date 11-28-22 A new battle of faith is being driven by some pastors and politicians in the United States. Their central message is that the country's conservative Christian way of life is under threat, and American society is moving in the wrong direction. Ch. 2: Women's Rights Activist on Protests Sweeping Iran, the Intensifying Gov't Crackdown & Executions Part 1 - Democracy now! - Air Date 10-15-22 "Iranians voted multiple times for over two decades for some process of reform … but the state has not given in to those demands," she says. "What we're seeing now is the result." Tahmasebi is the director of FEMENA Ch. 3: The Taliban's Far-Right Fan Base - VICE - Air Date 10-18-21 In chat rooms and message boards on the darker corners of the web - far-right groups have been praising the Taliban's takeover, lauding their religious fundamentalism, execution of opponents, and hatred of so-called liberalism. Ch. 4: Complete Dissatisfaction with the Current Order - Why Protests in Iran Are Not Slowing Down - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-6-22 "Today's movement is not calling for reform. Today's movement is calling for a new vision of politics … with women at the helm of it," says Narges Bajoghli, professor of anthropology and Middle East studies at Johns Hopkins University Ch. 5: Are We Prepared For Anti-Democratic Extremist Threats? Featuring Peter Montgomery - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 12-15-22 Far Right, Anti-Democratic Extremist groups are not slowing down. Some even have connections with ‘mainstream' Republican politicians. Peter Montgomery joins Thom Hartmann to discuss the threat the far right still poses. Ch. 6: Inside the Iran Protests: What You Need to Know Nahid Siamdoust - The Majority Report - Air Date 12-18-22 Sam and Emma host Nahid Siamdoust, Assistant Professor of Middle East and Media Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, to discuss the recent political protests in Iran. Ch. 7: Republican Leader Trump's Dinner With Racist Forces Reckoning For Normal Americans - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 11-28-22 Rachel Maddow shares some of the fringe perspectives of the racist, Christian fascist who Donald Trump hosted for dinner at Mar-a-Lago Ch. 8: Women's Rights Activist on Protests Sweeping Iran, the Intensifying Gov't Crackdown & Executions Part 2 - Democracy now! - Air Date 10-15-22 MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 9: Will SCOTUS Turn America Into A Theocracy? (w/ Rachel Laser) - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 4-18-22 Joseph Kennedy, a football coach, pressured his students to pray with him. He was asked not pressure students into religion during Public School activities. but he refused. Rachel Laser joined Thom to discuss the case and the pressure on students. Ch. 10: Hayes: Supreme Court conservative majority is ‘high council of Fox News viewers' - All In w/ Chris Hayes - Air Date 12-5-22 “Because the conservative majority has tossed away all pretense of being anything other than, essentially, a high council of Fox News viewers, they decided her case should be heard before the Supreme Court,” says Chris Hayes FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on why Christian Nationalists would be better off not installing a dictatorship MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Brad speaks to Rachel Laser, President and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. They discuss AU's lawsuit with the ACLU and FFRF in the case of the state of Oklahoma agreeing to send taxpayer funds to a Catholic school. This is, in essence, an attempt to make Christian schools into public schools. From AU: And public schools must be secular and open to all students. They are not allowed to discriminate against students or indoctrinate children into one religion. But that is exactly what Oklahoma's newly approved religious public charter school, St. Isidore of Seville, intends to do. Approved by the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board in June 2023, St. Isidore would be a public school—entirely funded by the taxpayers of Oklahoma—even though St. Isidore makes clear in its charter school application that it intends to run the school “as a Catholic school” and a “place of evangelization.” That's why Americans United along with the ACLU, Freedom from Religion Foundation and Education Law Center is suing. To Donate: venmo - @straightwhitejc Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/BradleyOnishi Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/straightwhiteamericanjesus Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's new book: https://www.amazon.com/Preparing-War-Extremist-Christian-Nationalism/dp/1506482163 For access to the full Orange Wave series, click here: https://irreverent.supportingcast.fm/products/the-orange-wave-a-history-of-the-religious-right-since-1960 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://swaj.supportingcast.fm
Nicolle Wallace discusses the Supreme Court rulings that threaten LGBTQ+ rights and overturn President Biden's student loan forgiveness program, possible additional charges in Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation of the ex-president, Republican front-runners sidling up to a far-right parents' rights group, and more. Joined by: Randi Weingarten, Rev. Al Sharpton, Rachel Laser, Chasten Buttigieg, Andrew Weissmann, Sarah Kate Ellis, Mike Schmidt, David Jolly, Kris Goldsmith and Cornell Belcher.
Host: Kevin Smith Dives into the weekly news most impactful to the HeartlandHEADLINESJudge hears arguments over Missouri AG push to inflate cost of abortion initiative petitionMissouri Independent - https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/07/judge-hears-arguments-over-missouri-ag-push-to-inflate-cost-of-abortion-initiative-petition/Okla. Catholic school set to become nation's first religious charterMSN - https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/okla-catholic-school-set-to-become-nation-s-first-religious-charter/ar-AA1caoWbLIGHTNING ROUNDMissouri,Black motorists stopped by Missouri law enforcement are much more likely to end the encounter with a citation or in a jail cell than whites. Missouri Independent - https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/03/report-shows-black-drivers-in-missouri-ticketed-arrested-at-much-higher-numbers-than-whites/?fbclid=IwAR0h0hIH9bsdhbNOEstO-jlvFdn5ApM_EXHvVIqnWcNyUYjoEje_PDWb3-E&mibextid=Zxz2cZMissouri teachers who quit their jobs on short notice face increasingly severe consequencesSpringfield News-Leader https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/education/2023/06/04/mo-school-board-may-suspend-teaching-license-after-broken-contract/70271176007/Utah,The Christian Bible has been removed from all elementary and middle school libraries throughout the Davis School District in Utah.KSL Utah - https://www.ksl.com/article/50657730/davis-district-pulls-bible-from-elementaries-junior-highs-due-to-vulgarity-or-violenceWisconsin,The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature voted no on vaccines for kids.Associated Press - https://apnews.com/article/republicans-wisconsin-meningitis-chickenpox-vaccine-mandates-5d0b774f8832e75ab8e40e96f7e583c7Wisconsin judge on Monday declined to dismiss a lawsuit seeking to ensure that no records are deleted from a now-closed state office created to investigate former President Donald Trump's loss in 2020.Washington Times - https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/jun/5/dont-delete-records-from-probe-into-2020-trump-los/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=SocialFlowIowa,Mike Pence "I believe that anyone who puts themselves over the Constitution should never be president of the United States,” .Des Moines Register - https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/elections/presidential/caucus/2023/06/07/mike-pence-2024-presidential-election-campaign-launch-iowa-ankeny-trump-christie/70290666007/And Lastly, The Supreme Court unexpectedly upholds a provision prohibiting racial gerrymandering. NPR - https://www.npr.org/2023/06/08/1181002182/supreme-court-voting-rights#:~:text=Press-,Supreme%20Court%20upholds%20Voting%20Rights%20Act%20in%20Alabama%20redistricting%20case,the%20law%20as%20racially%20discriminatory
Host: Kevin Smith Dives into the weekly news most impactful to the HeartlandHEADLINESJudge hears arguments over Missouri AG push to inflate cost of abortion initiative petitionMissouri Independent - https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/07/judge-hears-arguments-over-missouri-ag-push-to-inflate-cost-of-abortion-initiative-petition/Okla. Catholic school set to become nation's first religious charterMSN - https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/okla-catholic-school-set-to-become-nation-s-first-religious-charter/ar-AA1caoWbLIGHTNING ROUNDMissouri,Black motorists stopped by Missouri law enforcement are much more likely to end the encounter with a citation or in a jail cell than whites. Missouri Independent - https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/03/report-shows-black-drivers-in-missouri-ticketed-arrested-at-much-higher-numbers-than-whites/?fbclid=IwAR0h0hIH9bsdhbNOEstO-jlvFdn5ApM_EXHvVIqnWcNyUYjoEje_PDWb3-E&mibextid=Zxz2cZMissouri teachers who quit their jobs on short notice face increasingly severe consequencesSpringfield News-Leader https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/education/2023/06/04/mo-school-board-may-suspend-teaching-license-after-broken-contract/70271176007/Utah,The Christian Bible has been removed from all elementary and middle school libraries throughout the Davis School District in Utah.KSL Utah - https://www.ksl.com/article/50657730/davis-district-pulls-bible-from-elementaries-junior-highs-due-to-vulgarity-or-violenceWisconsin,The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature voted no on vaccines for kids.Associated Press - https://apnews.com/article/republicans-wisconsin-meningitis-chickenpox-vaccine-mandates-5d0b774f8832e75ab8e40e96f7e583c7Wisconsin judge on Monday declined to dismiss a lawsuit seeking to ensure that no records are deleted from a now-closed state office created to investigate former President Donald Trump's loss in 2020.Washington Times - https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/jun/5/dont-delete-records-from-probe-into-2020-trump-los/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=SocialFlowIowa,Mike Pence "I believe that anyone who puts themselves over the Constitution should never be president of the United States,” .Des Moines Register - https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/elections/presidential/caucus/2023/06/07/mike-pence-2024-presidential-election-campaign-launch-iowa-ankeny-trump-christie/70290666007/And Lastly, The Supreme Court unexpectedly upholds a provision prohibiting racial gerrymandering. NPR - https://www.npr.org/2023/06/08/1181002182/supreme-court-voting-rights#:~:text=Press-,Supreme%20Court%20upholds%20Voting%20Rights%20Act%20in%20Alabama%20redistricting%20case,the%20law%20as%20racially%20discriminatory
In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Laser, President/CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, to explore the importance of the separation of church and state in the United States. We dive into the reasons why this principle is crucial for the well-being of our society and discuss common misconceptions surrounding it. Rachel addresses these misconceptions and shares insights into the mission and goals of Americans United. We also examine the influence of Supreme Court composition on relevant cases and make predictions on how the justices may rule. Additionally, we explore the use of ADA and accommodations in arguments related to church-state separation. Join us as we recap the Groff v. DeJoy case and discuss the recent Kennedy v. Bremerton Supreme Court case, providing a comprehensive understanding of the importance of separation of church and state in our society.Guest Bio:Rachel Laser is the President and CEO at Americans United for Separation of Church and State.Rachel Laser is a lawyer, advocate and strategist who has dedicated her career to making our country more inclusive. She has a proven track record of uniting both faith and secular leaders and advocacy organizations to make tangible progress on some of the most important issues of our time. Watch her introduction video!And as a religious minority – she was raised as a Reform Jew – she understands personally how much it matters that our laws treat everyone fairly and equally. She is an advocate for racial justice and has led workshops, given speeches and worked with schools and universities to challenge racism and expose privilege.She knows the work of Americans United has never been more important than it is today. And she will work to continue our fight to defeat the many new and serious threats to religious freedom and the separation of church and state coming from the Trump-Pence Administration and across the country.As the deputy director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (the RAC), Rachel worked to further its historic mission of strengthening the separation of religion and government. She also ran interfaith campaigns on a number of critical issues, including LGBTQ equality, immigration reform, gun violence prevention, and paid sick, family and medical leave.Support the showTo learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below: Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/ Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics
Conservatives are using their hardline view of Christianity to justify banning abortion and waging war on the LGBTQ+ community. With faith increasingly shaping politics, Jasmine and Yochi sit down with Rachel Laser, CEO of Americans United For Separation of Church and State, and The Raben Group's Dr. Derrick Harkins to talk about why progressives have ceded the public debate over religion to conservatives — and what they need to do to take it back.
Doug Pagitt sits down with Rachel Laser, the Executive Director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, to talk about the role of religion in American public life. Doug Pagitt is the Executive Director and one of the founders of Vote Common Good. He is also a pastor, author, and social activist. @pagitt Daniel Deitrich is a singer-songwriter, former-pastor-turned-activist, and producer of The Common Good Podcast. @danieldeitrich Our theme music is composed by Ben Grace. @bengracemusic votecommongood.com votecommongood.com/podcast facebook.com/votecommongood twitter.com/votecommon
Next time on State of Belief Radio, Outrageous attacks on education in Florida. It's just part of Ron DeSantis' aggressive culture war attack on the state's diverse families, values and institutions. Matt Hartley is a Former Board Member and Chair of the Interfaith Center of Northeast Florida. He's the Director of the Interfaith Center at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, and has first-person insights on the toll this attempt to roll back anything the presidential wanna-be governor deems as “Woke.” Also, the Summit for Religious Freedom. It's happening April 22-24th, and I'll talk with Rachel Laser, President and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which is putting on the event. The Summit is a hub for the collective fight for religious freedom, church-state separation, and the issues that depend on them like LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights, protecting public schools, and more.
We are seeing religious rhetoric and moral authority misused in many parts of our society. In state legislatures, the kind of sectarian language that would have never been uttered just a few years ago has become commonplace. And religious agendas are turning up at every level of government. In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis is enacting […] The post April 15, 2023 – Summit for Religious Freedom: AU's Rachel Laser first appeared on State of Belief.
The Missouri Legislature enacted a total ban on abortion and were not subtle about writing and supporting it because of their religious beliefs. Rachel Laser, President of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State is our guest. She will explain why her group joined with faith leaders in a lawsuit to block the ban why separation of church and state is the foundation of democracy and we learn about an upcoming Religious Freedom conference hosted by her group. Show Notes Subscribe to our free newsletter Check out our Merch 01:00 Intro/Missouri Abortion Ban Lawsuit 19:38 The Summit for Religious Freedom (SRF) 23:08 Johnson Amendment 28:33 School Vouchers --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/glasscityhumanist/message
From New York City Mayor Eric Adams to several individuals at CPAC, we've recently heard new, troubling comments from public leaders that show – once again – the prominence of Christian nationalism and the dangers it poses to public debate. Amanda and Holly provide some “Separation of Church and State 101” in this episode to clear up confusion about the term and what it really means. They also share examples of people working together across ideological divides to combat Christian nationalism. SHOW NOTES Segment 1: Troubling comments from New York City Mayor Eric Adams (starting at 00:51) We played two clips from this speech Mayor Eric Adams gave at an interfaith breakfast. The first clip begins at 51:31 in the video, and the second begins at 44:36. Read the full response from Rachel Laser, CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, at this link. Read Amanda's Tweet in response to Mayor Adams here. It also appeared in this column from Jennifer Rubin for The Washington Post: Eric Adams wades into church-state quicksand. Watch Mayor Adams on CNN's State of the Union with Dana Bash at this link. Segment 2: Concerns from CPAC (starting at 12:56) See video of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's remarks at CPAC in this Tweet from Religion News Service reporter Jack Jenkins. Amanda and Holly mentioned this photo essay from The New York Times on CPAC, with words by Jane Coaston and photos by Damon Winter. Amanda quoted this Tweet from conservative commentator Bill Kristol on the remarks from Michael Knowles at CPAC. Amanda denounced Michael Knowles' call for the elimination of transgenderism in this Tweet. Segment 3: We don't have to agree on everything to work together (starting at 24:59) Amanda mentioned attending the Principles First Summit. Learn more at this link. Learn more about BJC's Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign and check out resources on the campaign's website. Amanda and Holly mentioned this book by Dr. Paul Miller: The Religion of American Greatness: What's Wrong with Christian Nationalism Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC's generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
Today John talks about the increasing legal problems Trump is accruing after a judge accused him of being vexatious and fining him and his attorneys for frivolous lawsuits saying he is a mastermind of strategic abuse of the judicial process. Next he speaks with Amy Littlefield, journalist for The Nation Magazine about the 50th anniversary of Roe v Wade. Then he interviews attorney Rachel Laser who is the managing director of Americans for the Separation of Church and State about a Missouri lawsuit which currently is fighting the abortion laws there. And finally he chats with caller Louise from California and they also talk about the repeal of Roe v Wade.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Thirteen clergy from six faith traditions filed a lawsuit last week challenging Missouri's abortion bans and several related abortion restrictions saying they violate the separation of church and state. Carol talks Rachel Laser with Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and Rabbi Jim Bennett with Congregation Shaare Emeth, Creve Coeur.
Air Date 12/24/2022 Today, we compare the far-right religious extremists who are fighting to gain power in the US with the protests against the theocratic regime in Iran supporting women's rights in the country. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/HOLIDAY (BOTL GIFT GUIDE!) Join our Discord community! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: How a new Christian right is changing US politics - BBC News - Air Date 11-28-22 A new battle of faith is being driven by some pastors and politicians in the United States. Their central message is that the country's conservative Christian way of life is under threat, and American society is moving in the wrong direction. Ch. 2: Women's Rights Activist on Protests Sweeping Iran, the Intensifying Gov't Crackdown & Executions Part 1 - Democracy now! - Air Date 10-15-22 "Iranians voted multiple times for over two decades for some process of reform … but the state has not given in to those demands," she says. "What we're seeing now is the result." Tahmasebi is the director of FEMENA Ch. 3: The Taliban's Far-Right Fan Base - VICE - Air Date 10-18-21 In chat rooms and message boards on the darker corners of the web - far-right groups have been praising the Taliban's takeover, lauding their religious fundamentalism, execution of opponents, and hatred of so-called liberalism. Ch. 4: Complete Dissatisfaction with the Current Order - Why Protests in Iran Are Not Slowing Down - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-6-22 "Today's movement is not calling for reform. Today's movement is calling for a new vision of politics … with women at the helm of it," says Narges Bajoghli, professor of anthropology and Middle East studies at Johns Hopkins University Ch. 5: Are We Prepared For Anti-Democratic Extremist Threats? Featuring Peter Montgomery - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 12-15-22 Far Right, Anti-Democratic Extremist groups are not slowing down. Some even have connections with ‘mainstream' Republican politicians. Peter Montgomery joins Thom Hartmann to discuss the threat the far right still poses. Ch. 6: Inside the Iran Protests: What You Need to Know Nahid Siamdoust - The Majority Report - Air Date 12-18-22 Sam and Emma host Nahid Siamdoust, Assistant Professor of Middle East and Media Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, to discuss the recent political protests in Iran. Ch. 7: Republican Leader Trump's Dinner With Racist Forces Reckoning For Normal Americans - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 11-28-22 Rachel Maddow shares some of the fringe perspectives of the racist, Christian fascist who Donald Trump hosted for dinner at Mar-a-Lago Ch. 8: Women's Rights Activist on Protests Sweeping Iran, the Intensifying Gov't Crackdown & Executions Part 2 - Democracy now! - Air Date 10-15-22 MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 9: Will SCOTUS Turn America Into A Theocracy? (w/ Rachel Laser) - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 4-18-22 Joseph Kennedy, a football coach, pressured his students to pray with him. He was asked not pressure students into religion during Public School activities. but he refused. Rachel Laser joined Thom to discuss the case and the pressure on students. Ch. 10: Hayes: Supreme Court conservative majority is ‘high council of Fox News viewers' - All In w/ Chris Hayes - Air Date 12-5-22 “Because the conservative majority has tossed away all pretense of being anything other than, essentially, a high council of Fox News viewers, they decided her case should be heard before the Supreme Court,” says Chris Hayes FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on why Christian Nationalists would be better off not installing a dictatorship MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
In this solo episode, I spoke with Rachel Laser, who became president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State in February of 2018. She is the organization's first non-Christian and female leader in its 75 year history. Rachel is a lawyer, advocate and strategist who has dedicated her career to making our country more inclusive. We spoke about her work with religious organizations, whether the Johnson Amendment will ever be enforced, what people still don't get about church/state separation, and more. 0:00 Intro 2:00 What did you take away from the results of the midterm elections? 5:16 What's the relationship between AU and religious organizations? 10:02 How does your strategy shift given the Supreme Court's right-wing shift? 17:23 How fundamental are lawsuits to AU's mission? 22:18 Are there ways to get Republicans to support church/state separation? 27:04 What misconceptions do Americans have about church/state separation? 32:57 Will new IRS funding lead to enforcement of the Johnson Amendment? 36:03 What are the biggest looming church/state issues we should be concerned about?
Over the last year, a number of things have happened that signal an alarming change in American life: church and state seem to be no longer separate. In this episode, lawyer, advocate, strategist, and President and CEO of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, Rachel Laser tells the stories of those whose lives are directly impacted when the Supreme Court favors one religious ideology over the well-being of families and children. And she shares how her own family story shapes her work and reminds us all why the separation of church and state is vital to our democracy.
Liz, Rebecca, Monica and Alison recap the case, Kennedy v. Bremerton, discussed in Episode 5 and review the decision handed down by the Supreme Court at the end of June. Later in the episode they're joined by the pod's very first guest, Rachel Laser, President and CEO of Americans United, who represented Bremerton at the high court. Rachel joins for a conversation about being a woman leader in the fight to keep state/church separate, and what our future holds after a dismal June. It's a long episode, but worth every minute! Background SCOTUS Decision AU's case page for Bremerton Rachel Laser's bio
On this episode Tim sits down with the leader of American's United, Rachel Laser, to discuss two recent landmark Supreme Court rulings that have major implications that affect us now and in the future.Rachel and her team represented Bremerton School District in the recent SCOTUS case Kennedy Vs Bremerton School District. In this case a high school football coach was praying with students at the 50 yard line after games and the school said he couldn't do that while coaching. He refused to comply, was placed on paid leave and then chose not to renew his contract. He sued in lower courts and lost. A powerful shadow network of conservative evangelicals funded the case up to the SCOTUS where they ruled in the coach's favor.Rachel unpacks why this ruling is unprecedented and also unpacks the court's decision to overturn Roe V Wade.Support American's UnitedSupport Our WorkGet Mad with Mad Priest Coffee. Promo Code TNE20Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-new-evangelicals-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
The traditional Sufi devotional music known as Qawwali had its origins in the 13th Century, now the ensemble known as The Orchestral Qawwali Project are breathing new life into this ancient art. We caught up with them at the Bradford Literature Festival. And we journey to another part of the country to find out how music and spirituality go hand in hand at Glastonbury. From baptisms to wedding blessings to providing safe spaces, Reverend Chris North, Chair of the Church at Glastonbury reveals what it is like to minister to festival-goers. We continue our series of conversations to mark Pride month with Richard Kirker, a Founder Member of Lesbian and Gay Christians and Saima Razzaq, a Lesbian and Muslim, who is part of Birmingham Pride. As the US Supreme Court overturns Roe V Wade, Emily finds out what the ruling means for Shawn Carney, CEO and Founder of 40 Days For Life and Rachel Laser, President and CEO of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. At the heart of many Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities there is a deep religious conviction, it's something that Theologian Dr Steven Horne, himself of Romany heritage, explores in his new book ‘Gypsies and Jesus'. Later this week Hong Kong will see a new Government sworn in and the former colony will also mark twenty-five years since the handover to China. Author and Foreign Correspondent, Michael Sheridan, examines what another Catholic leader in the form of John Lee will mean for Hong Kong and what the next twenty-five years may look like for Hong Kong's faith communities. Producers: Jill Collins and Katharine Longworth Editor: Tim Pemberton Picture credit: Gaelle Berri
A leaked Supreme Court majority opinion reveals the impending end of reproductive choice via Roe V. Wade. What's happening, and what happens next?Special thanks to Rachel Laser of Americans United for joining the last half of the conversation.Americans United: http://www.au.orgPolitical article on leaked draft: https://www.politico.com/news/2022/05/02/supreme-court-abortion-draft-opinion-00029473
Interview with Rachel Laser, the president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.Investing Skeptically: non transparent ETF
John talks about right-wing pearl clutching over the SCOTUS leak, interviews Rachel Laser from Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, and speaks with Caller Laura from Los Angeles. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
On Monday, April 25, the court hears oral argument in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, a case concerning a public school coach's right to pray on the football field. In a two-part episode, Amy talks with Rachel Laser and Kelly Shackelford, representatives from the legal teams on each side. Rachel Laser, President of Americans United for Separation of Church and State representing the school district — 00:52Kelly Shackelford, President and CEO of First Liberty Institute representing Coach Joseph Kennedy— 18:54Send us a question about the court at scotustalk@scotusblog.com or leave us a voicemail at (202) 596-2906. Please tell us your first name and where you're calling from.(Music by Keys of Moon Music via Soundcloud) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Capt. Will McQuillen, Alaska Air pilot, on their informational picketing // Feliks Banel, All Over the Map -- place-naming contest for kids // Margaret Brennan on the midterm elections/ Rep. McCarthy tapes // Dose of Kindness -- traveling overseas to help feed refugees // Gee Scott on Mike Tyson's airplane incident // Rachel Laser, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, on the SCOTUS-Bremerton case // Rachel Belle with Remi Wolf on dietary restrictions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Next week, the Supreme Court will hear oral argument in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District. The case is about Joseph Kennedy, a Christian high school football coach in Washington state who regularly prayed before games. Eventually a majority of the players joined in as well, and one player's parent complained that he felt pressured to pray as well. Kennedy lost his job after refusing to comply with school district's orders to stop. Nicole Garnett of Notre Dame Law School and Rachel Laser of Americans United for Separation of Church and State join host Jeffrey Rosen to discuss the case; the questions raised around the limits of free speech, free exercise of religion, and the separation of church and state in schools; and how the Court might rule based on its prior jurisprudence—from the Lemon v. Kurtzmann test to the Abington v. Schempp case—and some justices' questioning of it. Listen to "Football, Faith, and the First Amendment" from January 31, 2019. Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org. Continue today's conversation on Facebook and Twitter using @ConstitutionCtr. Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate, at bit.ly/constitutionweekly.
The Supreme Court will be hearing a case involving separation of church and state next Monday, and the Morning Show with Guest Host Chris Merrill talks with Americans United for Separation of Church and State's Rachel Laser to outline the details of the case and what a ruling may mean to public school students across the nation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If the fake news wins and neofascist politicians like Trump again gain serious national power, America will be on a fast track down the same road as Russia. Autocrats have to be prosecuted and convicted - will it happen in America? President & CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State Rachel Laser reports on "No pray to play!" The Supreme Court's "Praying Coach" case explained. Will these guys succeed turning America into a theocracy? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Fighting For Freedom of Religion And A More Inclusive America. Steve Williamson and Karen McClelland welcome Rachel Laser, CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Laser begins by noting that Americans United has been around for almost … Continue reading →
Rachel Laser, president & CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church & State, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about the importance of religious freedom and the dangers of Christian Nationalism. She also discusses interfaith advocacy and her own experiences as a religious minority. Note: Don't forget to check out our subscribe e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make sense of faith, culture, and politics.
Rachel Laser, attorney, human rights activist, and President of www.au.org, speaks with Seth Andrews about the critical fight(s) to protect the United States from fundamentalism and unamerican Christian Nationalism.VIDEO of this conversation: https://youtu.be/ixIEcbcuCt0
Former AG Jeff Sessions did a great deal of damage to this nation before he was unceremoniously booted by Trump out of his office. Interestingly, his demise was an example of a rare showing of nobility, as he recused himself from the Russia investigation. One of the things he did that encouraged the kind of divisiveness his boss loved was establishing the Religious Liberty Task Force. Of course he would promote the false narrative that Christians are an oppressed group in the USA. I'm sure that had he been given more time in office, he would have established a task force to help protect us from atheist robots. In these 2018 episodes we chat with Rachel Laser from Americans United for the Separation of Church & State. She is brilliant. Listen. No. Really. Listen!
Emma Park speaks to Rachel Laser, to discuss the state of US secularism in the aftermath of their 2020 election, and the American Christian rights' support for similar movements around the world. Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2020/12/ep-40
Rerelease of Ep 02. Next new episode (Ep 33) scheduled next Thursday, 3 September. Check out the full shownotes, video and transcript for this episode: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2019/01/rachel-laser-exploring-religious-freedom-episode-02
We complain about prayer and worship in the White House, and report a number of FFRF state/church victories. Tom Cara, president of the FFRF Metropolitan Chicago Chapter, tells us about the un-holy holiday displays chapter members have erected in the Chicago area to counter Nativity scenes and religious displays. Then we hear Rachel Laser, President and CEO of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, accepting FFRF's "Henry Zumach Freedom From Religious Fundamentalism" award.
Rachel Laser joins The Great Battlefield podcast to talk about why the separation of church and state is so crucial and how Americans United is fighting for religious freedom.
Here's a little bonus content from Secularism which was originally going to be in our post conference review. In this episode, Emma Park, a freelance writer and NSS volunteer, interviewed five of the Conference speakers to explore some of the issues raised by their talks in further detail. Some of these were a bit more wide ranging than the topic. Everyone's views are their own and do not necessarily represent those of the NSS. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGOcRbOUkoU&feature=youtu.be Transcripts: https://www.secularism.org.uk/transcripts Nick Cohen (00:51), political journalist, on the parallels between political and religious extremists, the lack of leadership from liberal centrists in British politics today, and the need for secularists to be self-critical and form political alliances to resist extremists: ‘Generalisations are the basis of identity politics and breaking down identity politics is the road to freedom.’ Izzy Posen (08:04), President of the Bristol Free Speech Society, on the damage caused by universities’ excessive tolerance of the extremist student groups trying to shut down free speech on campus: ‘It’s an alliance of Islamists and far leftists, and by Islamists I don’t mean Muslims, I mean Islamists who have a political ideology based out of imposing Islamic values on Britain ... [These groups] unite in their hatred for the West.’ Pragna Patel (17:41), Director of Southall Black Sisters, on how secularists can challenge the claim by ethnic minority leaders to speak on behalf of an entire community, even those who may disagree with them: ‘Our organisation has always challenged community leaderships, because they have never spoken on behalf of women, they have never spoken on behalf of gay and lesbian communities’. Rachel Laser (25:13), President of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, on the threats to freedom of expression and other human rights in the US from right-wing evangelicals, and how to ‘burst the pimple’ of such extremism: ‘Today religious freedom in America is more about the right to discriminate, or licence to discriminate, than it is about the right to be able to practise your religious observances.’ Yasmin Rehman (34:06), Member of the NSS Council, on the challenges of being a secular British Muslim, changes in the UK government’s treatment of minorities in recent years, and the compatibility of Islam with secularism: ‘If you look at a religious text that was written a very very long time ago, it will endorse things that we as a society wouldn’t condone ... I want to be able to practise my faith, but I also want to be able to challenge my faith, or any other, when it comes to abuses of human rights’. Links Make a stand for freedom, fairness and human rights by adding your voice to the call for a secular democracy. Join the National Secular Society today https://www.secularism.org.uk/join Find our more about the conference, including speaker profiles and videos: https://www.secularism.org.uk/secularism-2019.html Bradlaugh Lecture 2019 | No Outsiders: Reclaiming Radical Ideas in Schools https://www.secularism.org.uk/no-outsiders.html Support the podcast, share with a friend and leave a five star review everywhere you can.
Sounding the alarm. Military spending nears historic highs, and climate change as a public health emergency. This week, why 74 medical and health groups are calling climate change the “greatest public health challenge of the 21st century.” How cutting the Pentagon budget will make the country stronger. And Bill Press goes deep on religious freedom with Rachel Laser, CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Lindsay Koshgarian President Trump and the Republican led Senate is pushing a bill that would increase military spending to over 750 billion dollars. Lindsay Koshgarian says the Pentagon’s budget is already near an historic high, and cutting it down is the best path to real American security Barbara Gottlieb Dozens of the United States’ most prominent health organizations have come together to sound the alarm over climate change as one of the greatest threats to public health our nation has ever faced. Barbara Gottlieb says the time is running out to take action. Rachel Laser Bill Press talks with Rachel Laser, CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State about white evangelical support for Donald Trump and why Democrats need to talk more about religion. Jim Hightower America’s healthcare border raiders.
Rachel Laser, CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, talks with Bill about the misuse of religious freedom to advance racism and how the religious Right is putting a stain on religion, especially for young people. And Bill calls Jerry Falwell, Jr. "a phony Christian."
Continuing our series of discussions exploring religious freedom, Alastair Lichten spoke with Rachel Laser – head of Americans United for separation of church and state, and the keynote speaker at our upcoming conference Secularism 2019: Reclaiming Religious Freedom. https://www.secularism.org.uk/2019 Discuss this episode on Facebook Watch this episode on YouTube Links to Rachel’s recommended reads: God and Government: Twenty-Five Years of Fighting for Equality, Secularism, and Freedom Of Conscience, by Rev. Barry Lynn The End of White Christian America, by Robert P Jones Seven Types of Atheism, by John Gray Make a stand for freedom, fairness and human rights by adding your voice to the call for a secular democracy. Join the National Secular Society today. https://www.secularism.org.uk/join-and-renew.html
_Note: This episode was recorded before Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement, and before an armed man slaughtered five journalists at the Annapolis Capitol Gazette._ We're one week away from taking a break for much of the summer--but we're starting up an Impolite Company newsletter to fill the void, and we'll drop in occasionally with a few mini episodes. In the meantime, this week's show features Amy in conversation with two women who are leading figures in the area of religion and politics. First up is Rachel Laser, a legal expert who heads up Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. She walks us through the Masterpiece Cake decision and talks about how religious liberty is currently being interpreted in our culture and our courts. Then Amy talks with Julie Rodgers, a popular writer and speaker who made national news a few years ago when she was hired--and then quickly fired--by Wheaton as the school's first and only chaplain to LGBT students. Keep sending us your good news and recommendations for the summer! Your voice memos and emails can reach us at impolitewomen@gmail.com
Today, an Arizona appeals court upheld a Phoenix anti-discrimination law that makes it illegal for businesses to refuse service to same-sex couples because of religion. This week however, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with a Colorado baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple—that decision was based on the idea that a Colorado civil rights commission showed anti-religious bias when it ruled against the Masterpiece Cakeshop. LGBTQ activists got mad. A Tennessee store put up a sign declaring “No Gays Allowed”. So what did the decision actually mean? For that, we are going to one of the nation's experts—our guest for tonight, Rachel Laser. Rachel Laser, President & CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, is a lawyer, advocate and strategist who has dedicated the last two decades of her life to fighting to make the country inclusive for all Americans. She has a proven track record of uniting both faith and secular leaders and advocacy organizations to make tangible progress on some of the most important issues of our time. My panel tonight includes Brody Levesque and Gabriel Hudson!
Today, an Arizona appeals court upheld a Phoenix anti-discrimination law that makes it illegal for businesses to refuse service to same-sex couples because of religion. This week however, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with a Colorado baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple—that decision was based on the idea that a Colorado civil rights commission showed anti-religious bias when it ruled against the Masterpiece Cakeshop. LGBTQ activists got mad. A Tennessee store put up a sign declaring “No Gays Allowed”. So what did the decision actually mean? For that, we are going to one of the nation’s experts—our guest for tonight, Rachel Laser. Rachel Laser, President & CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, is a lawyer, advocate and strategist who has dedicated the last two decades of her life to fighting to make the country inclusive for all Americans. She has a proven track record of uniting both faith and secular leaders and advocacy organizations to make tangible progress on some of the most important issues of our time. My panel tonight includes Brody Levesque and Gabriel Hudson!
As a candidate, Donald Trump promised religious conservatives that their voices would be heard - and as president, he's repeatedly delivered through executive orders and agency moves that have been hailed by Christian conservatives. Rachel Laser, the new head of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, joins the podcast to review how Christian conservatives came to support Trump (starts at the 31:30 mark), how the Trump administration and specifically HHS have pushed policies for religious liberty (36:30), the appropriate role of religion in the public space (44:20), and the role of religious conservatives among HHS leadership (51:25). But first: POLITICO's Jennifer Haberkorn and Adam Cancryn join Dan to review Congress' latest changes to Obamacare (starts at the 1:45 mark), how new HHS Secretary Alex Azar is leading the agency (10:45), Mayo Clinic CEO John Noseworthy's retirement and hospitals' role in Washington (22:45), and which state is arguably most "important" in the current policy debate (27:25). We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com. Stories referenced on the podcast: Jen's story on Congress removing the ACA's cost checks: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/19/obamacare-cost-checks-spending-deal-352346 Jen and Paul Demko's story on the IRS issuing millions of dollars in ACA employer mandate fines: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/20/trump-irs-obamacare-fines-tax-penalties-353614 Adam's story on Azar's priorities at HHS: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/01/24/alex-azar-secretary-health-confirmed-trump-nominee-365471 DD's story on HHS dismantling LGBT-friendly protections: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/19/trump-lgbt-rights-discrimination-353774 Jen's story on HHS working with a conservative group on an anti-Planned Parenthood policy: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/12/trump-hhs-planned-parenthood-policy-338084
Are Jews white? Join Rachel Laser in a challenging discussion on white privilege and being a minority in America. Rachel Laser is currently working as a consultant on bridging racial and cultural divides. She advises, runs workshops, gives speeches, facilitates conversations and guest lectures about implicit bias, and also racism and privilege at nonprofits, law firms, government entities, universities, public and parochial schools, houses of worship, and community centers. She has also written about white privilege and racism, including Uncovering My White Privilege on Yom Kippur, Flawed But Determined: Becoming a White Supporter of Racial Justice, and her most recent piece Why I am Atoning for Racism. She has spent much of her career finding paths forward on divisive culture issues. Laser recently served as the Deputy Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (the RAC), the Reform Jewish Movement's Washington, DC office. From the RAC, she ran interfaith campaigns on a number of social justice issues, including gun violence prevention, immigration reform, paid sick and family and medical leave and LGBT equality. Before the RAC, she directed the Culture Program at Third Way, a Washington, DC progressive think tank specializing in understanding and reaching moderates. There, she launched the "Come Let Us Reason Together" Initiative, which mobilized evangelical Christians and progressive activists to work together on the most contentious social issues. She also helped draft the first-of-its-kind common ground abortion bill to be introduced jointly by a pro-life and pro-choice member of Congress. She is a graduate of Harvard University and the University of Chicago Law Schoo
Had a great conversation with Rachel Laser and Barbara Weinstein of the Religious Action Center RAC. We talked about what the RAC is, what it does, about a number of issues of concern to the progressive community and about the upcoming URJ Biennial in December. Rachel Laser is the RAC's Deputy Director. Ms. Laser has a diverse background in policy advocacy, coalition-building, message development and political strategy. She served as Senior Vice President at Hattaway Communications and as Director of the Culture Program at Third Way, a Washington, DC progressive think tank specializing in understanding and reaching moderates. Barbara Weinstein is the Religious Action Center's Associate Director. She directs legislative policy and oversees the RAC's Eisendrath Legislative Assistant program - a one year fellowship for recent college graduates focusing on Jewish values and social justice. Barbara is also the Director of the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism, a joint body of the Central Conference of American Rabbis and the Union for Reform Judaism and its affiliates that seeks to apply the insights of Jewish tradition to domestic and foreign issues including human rights, world peace, civil liberties, religious freedom, famine, poverty, as well as other major societal concerns.
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