Religious Freedom

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ACLU of Mississippi defends the right of all Mississippians to freely practice their religion and express their faith, or to choose not to practice a religion. We oppose government endorsement of one set of religious beliefs and practices over another, and we support

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” As enshrined in the First Amendment, religious freedom includes two complementary protections: the right to religious belief and expression and a guarantee that the government neither prefers religion over non-religion nor favors particular faiths over others. These dual protections work hand in hand, allowing religious liberty to thrive and safeguarding both religion and government from the undue influences of the other.

The Latest

Press Release
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Federal Court Orders City of Horn Lake to Approve Plans for Local Mosque in Anti-Muslim Bias Lawsuit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HORN LAKE, Miss. — The American Civil Liberties Union, the American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP have secured a consent decree that favorably resolves a federal lawsuit, Abraham House of God v. City of Horn Lake, filed against...
Issue Areas: Religious Freedom
Court Cases: Abraham House of God v. City of Horn Lake
Press Release
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ACLU, ACLU-MS and Simpson Thacher File Federal Lawsuit Against Mississippi City For Discriminating Against Proposed Mosque

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HORN LAKE, Miss. – Horn Lake officials unlawfully denied zoning approval for a proposed mosque due to anti-Muslim bias, according to a federal lawsuit filed today by the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi, and Simpson Thacher...
Issue Areas: Religious Freedom
Court Cases: Abraham House of God v. City of Horn Lake
Court Case
Oct 28, 2021

Abraham House of God v. City of Horn Lake

Horn Lake officials unlawfully denied zoning approval for a proposed mosque due to anti-Muslim bias, according to a federal lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. Just before holding a vote...