# Religious Liberty in the States 2026

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## Pages

- [In the News](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/news/): Title Subscribe to Email Updates Get the latest news from Religious Liberty in the States in your inbox. Unsubscribe at any time. News from Previous Years
- [About Religious Liberty in the States](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/about/): About Religious Liberty in the States Religious Liberty in the States is a project of the Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy that tracks how well each U.S. state protects religious freedom through its laws and policies. Led by director
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- [Contact](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/contact/): Title Have a question or want to get in touch? Use the form below to contact the Religious Liberty in the States team. Whether you have a media inquiry, technical issue, or general feedback, we welcome your message. You can
- [Sitemap](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/sitemap/): Sitemap Sitemap Table of Contents Pages2024 DatasetAbout Religious Liberty in the StatesAdvisory CouncilAccessibility StatementCodes and ScoringContactDownloads2022 Dataset2022 Report2023 Dataset2023 Executive Summary2023 Report2024 ReportErrataFederal Context, State Inaction, and Social NormsFrequently Asked QuestionsHomeIn the NewsLottie ModuleMedia KitMethodologyPrivacy PolicyRLS 2022 ArchiveRLS 2023 ArchiveRLS
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- [Downloads](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/downloads/): Title The Downloads page provides access to the full 2026 Religious Liberty in the States report, including this year's updates, complete rankings, and key visuals. You can also download the full dataset, which includes data from previous years, research notes,
- [Safeguards](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/safeguards/): Title Now in its fifth edition, RLS measures the presence or lack of each of 20 safeguards in each state. States differ greatly, as reflected in the range of RLS 2026 scores (as percentages of an ideal) across the 50
- [States](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/states/): Title The First Amendment and federal legislation offer important protections for religious liberty, but there are many areas where states can protect, or refuse to protect, religious freedom. Religious Liberty in the States considers fifty distinct ways that states protect,
- [Methodology](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/methodology/): Title Because religious liberty matters, so does careful measurement of its component parts and causal factors. Objectivity is critical for meaningful measurement and consistent with the highest standards of research integrity. RLS is further committed to transparency, providing rationale for
- [Media Kit](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/media-kit/): Title The Religious Liberty in the States Media Kit provides logos, social graphics, and ready-to-use messaging for press and partners. It includes high-resolution images and talking points to help share and explain the report. Whether you are writing an article,
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/faq/): Title Since the inception of Religious Liberty in the States, we have received thoughtful questions and feedback from readers. Search for your question below and click on the down arrow for answers. For other questions, including technical support, please contact
- [2022 Report](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/downloads/2022-report/): 2022 Full Report Religious Liberty in the States The report (PDF) includes an executive summary, overview, tables and rankings, discussion of methodology, FAQ, and all 50 state scorecards.Click to download PDF
- [2022 Dataset](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/downloads/2022-dataset/): 2022 Dataset Religious Liberty in the States This dataset (.xlsx) contains the data used to construct the index and rankings.Click to download XLSX
- [Federal Context, State Inaction, and Social Norms](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/federal-context-state-inaction-and-social-norms/): Safeguards The table below provides more detail for two of our FAQs specifically revealing why it is necessary to account for federal context when determining whether a "missing" exemption is a lack of safeguard or not, and whether social norms
- [Subscribe to Email Updates](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/subscribe/): Title Sign up for updates about Religious Liberty in the States. You can unsubscribe using the link at the bottom of each email.
- [2023 Executive Summary](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/downloads/2023-executive-summary/): Executive Summary Religious Liberty in the States 2023 A brief overview (pdf) of the changes to RLS in its second year including the new safeguards measured and the resulting scores and rankings of the 50 states in 2023.Click to download
- [2023 Dataset](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/downloads/2023-dataset/): Dataset Religious Liberty in the States 2023 This dataset (.xlsx) contains the data used to construct the index and rankings, along with research notes and links to state laws. It also includes data from the previous years of the index.Click
- [RLS 2022 Archive](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/rls-2022-archive/): Title Click a State to Download its Scorecard 1. Mississippi 2. Illinois 3. New Mexico 4. Florida 5. Washington 6. Utah 7. Tennessee 8. Maryland 9. Idaho 10. Kansas 11. Connecticut 12. Pennsylvania 12. Alabama 14. Missouri 14. Maine 16.
- [Advisory Council](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/about/advisory-council/): Title The Religious Liberty in the States Advisory Council brings together leading scholars and practitioners from diverse academic, legal, and religious backgrounds. Council members contribute their expertise to help guide the project's research priorities and ensure academic rigor. Representing institutions
- [Protected: Site Analytics](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/site-analytics/): View Report Full Screen Return to Site
- [2023 Report](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/downloads/2023-report/): Report Religious Liberty in the States 2023 The report (PDF) includes an overview of what's new this year, complete state rankings, and helpful tables and figures.Click to download PDF
- [2024 Report](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/downloads/2024-report/): Report Religious Liberty in the States 2024 The report (PDF) includes an overview of what's new this year, complete state rankings, and helpful tables and figures.Click to download PDF
- [Codes and Scoring](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/codes-and-scoring/): Title This document provides a detailed explanation of the codes and scoring system used in the construction of the 2026 RLS dataset. It is thus recommended as a guide for researchers who are working with the data spreadsheet. The document is
- [2024 Dataset](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/downloads/2024-dataset/): Dataset Religious Liberty in the States 2024 This dataset (.xlsx) contains the data used to construct the index and rankings, along with research notes and links to state laws. It also includes data from the previous years of the index.Click
- [Errata and Revisions](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/errata/): Title Religious Liberty in the States is committed to the highest established standards, principles, and responsibilities for research. RLS affirms the principles and responsibilities as outlined in the Singapore Statement on Research Integrity: (1) "Honesty in all aspects of research,"
- [RLS 2023 Archive](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/rls-2023-archive/): Title Click a State to Download its Scorecard 1. Illinois 2. South Carolina 3. New Mexico 4. Ohio 4. Mississippi 6. Washington 7. Arkansas 8. Florida 9. Maryland 10. Pennsylvania 11. Utah 12. Tennessee 13. Delaware 14. Kansas 15. Rhode
- [RLS 2024 Archive](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/rls-2024-archive/): Title Click a State to Download its Scorecard 1. Illinois 2. Florida 3. Montana 4. Arkansas 5. Ohio 5. Mississippi 7. South Carolina 8. Utah 9. Washington 10. Maryland 11. New Mexico 12. North Dakota 13. Hawaii 14. Tennessee 15.
- [Home](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/): Download the Report and Data Our Downloads page provides free access to all downloadable materials, including our 2026 report, complete dataset, and 50 user-friendly state scorecards.Download Resources Download the 2026 State Rankings This downloadable PDF lists all 50 states ranked
- [2026 Dataset](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/downloads/2026-dataset/): Dataset Religious Liberty in the States 2026 This dataset (.xlsx) contains the data used to construct the index and rankings, along with research notes and links to state laws. It also includes data from the previous years of the index.Click
- [RLS 2025 Archive](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/rls-2025-archive/): Title View the Full RLS 2025 Website Click a State to Download its Scorecard 1. Florida 2. Montana 3. Illinois 4. Ohio 5. Mississippi 6. Arkansas 7. South Carolina 8. Washington 9. Utah 10. Tennessee 11. Arizona 12. Maryland 13.
- [2026 Report](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/downloads/2026-report/): Report Religious Liberty in the States 2026 The report (PDF) includes an overview of what's new this year, complete state rankings, and helpful tables and figures.Click to download PDF
- [Explore the Index with AI](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/ai/): Title You can now ask AI assistants about the Religious Liberty in the States index and get answers drawn straight from the published data. Look up how a single state ranks, or ask a broad, open-ended question that spans the
- [Coming Tuesday, July 14 at 10:00 a.m. CDT](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/coming-tuesday-july-14-at-1000-a-m-cdt/): Coming Soon - Religious Liberty in the States
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## Blog Posts

- [Announcing RLS 2026’s #1 State: Arkansas](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/announcing-rls-2026s-1-state-arkansas/) (2026-07-13): Arkansas has claimed first place in the 2026 edition of the Religious Liberty in the States (RLS) index. After ranking sixth in 2025, the Natural State surged to the top this year, overtaking Florida, which dropped to third place. Arkansas
- [Announcing RLS 2026’s Runner-Up State: Tennessee](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/announcing-rls-2026s-runner-up-state-tennessee/) (2026-07-13): Tennessee has made major strides in protecting religious liberty, rising from tenth place in 2025 to second place in the 2026 Religious Liberty in the States (RLS) index. The Volunteer State now protects 85 percent of the religious liberty safeguards
- [Why Florida Fell to #3: Understanding the Shift in RLS 2026](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/why-florida-fell-to-3-understanding-the-shift-in-rls-2026/) (2026-07-13): In recent years, Florida has demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting religious liberty. The Sunshine State ranked second in the RLS 2024 index and rose to first place in RLS 2025. This year, Florida remains near the top of the
- [How RLS Expanded in the Fifth Edition](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/how-rls-expanded-in-the-fifth-edition/) (2026-07-13): The Religious Liberty in the States (RLS) index is designed to measure how well each state protects religious liberty through law. Since its launch in 2022, RLS has expanded each year to reflect additional areas where states can protect the
- [Announcing RLS 2025’s #1 State: Florida](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/announcing-rls-2025s-1-state-florida/) (2025-07-11): Florida has claimed first place in the 2025 edition of the Religious Liberty in the States (RLS) index. After being in second place in 2024, the state has improved again this year, overtaking the two-time defending leader, Illinois, which dropped
- [Announcing RLS 2025’s Runner-Up State: Montana](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/announcing-rls-2025s-runner-up-state-montana/) (2025-07-11): Montana has successfully climbed the leaderboard in this year’s Religious Liberty in the States (RLS) index, ranking second by protecting 71 percent of the religious safeguards tracked in the 2025 index. Since placing 24th with a score of 40 percent
- [Why Illinois Fell to #3: Understanding the Shift in RLS 2025](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/why-illinois-fell-to-3-understanding-the-shift-in-rls-2025/) (2025-07-11): Illinois led the nation in religious liberty protections for two years in a row, 2023 and 2024, but this year there is a new leader. In 2023, the state protected 85 percent of the safeguards the Religious Liberty in the
- [Must Read Alaska: Why Does Alaska Score So Low on Religious Liberty Ranking?](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/must-read-alaska-why-does-alaska-score-so-low-on-religious-liberty-ranking/) (2024-11-12): What makes The Great Land score so low when it comes to religious liberty? The main culprits are the categories of sterilization and contraception refusal, areas in which Alaska received zero marks. 
- [Florida Daily: Florida Gets High Marks for Religious Liberty](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/florida-daily-florida-gets-high-marks-for-religious-liberty/) (2024-11-04): In 2023, Florida was ranked number 8 among religious liberty, in 2024, it moved up to number 2, according to a new report by the Center for Religion, Culture and Democracy (CRCD).
- [The Baltimore Sun: Maryland Deserves Credit for Protecting Religious Freedom](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/the-baltimore-sun-maryland-deserves-credit-for-protecting-religious-freedom/) (2024-10-21): Recent findings from the 2024 Religious Liberty in the States (RLS) report reveal a stark contrast between Maryland and Virginia in this regard, with Maryland far surpassing its southern neighbor.
- [Center for Public Justice: 2024 Report Highlights Surprising Rankings And Key Trends](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/center-for-public-justice-2024-report-highlights-surprising-rankings-and-key-trends/) (2024-08-16): The RLS annual reports assess how well states do on a range of important religious freedom protections, with the intent not only to measure the degree of protection in a state but also thereby to identify what each state can do to increase its protection.
- [The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio Ranks in Top 5 States for Protecting Religious Liberties, Study Finds](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/the-columbus-dispatch-ohio-ranks-in-top-5-states-for-protecting-religious-liberties-study-finds/) (2024-08-13): When it comes to protecting religious freedoms, Ohio ranks highly as one of the top states, according to a study from the conservative legal group First Liberty Institute.
- [Christian Post: Best and Worst States for Religious Liberty](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/christian-post-best-and-worst-states-for-religious-liberty/) (2024-08-08): For the second year in a row, Illinois has ranked as the best state for religious liberty because it has the most safeguards in place, while a majority of other states continue to lack adequate protections for people of faith. 
- [Fox News: New Report Identifies Best and Worst US States for Religious Liberty](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/fox-news-new-report-identifies-best-and-worst-us-states-for-religious-liberty/) (2024-08-05): A recent report by First Liberty Institute, the Texas-based nonprofit Christian conservative legal organization, shows which U.S. states are making good on that promise — with others falling behind. 
- [Introducing a Comprehensive Guide to Enhancing Religious Liberty](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/introducing-a-comprehensive-guide-to-enhancing-religious-liberty/) (2024-08-01): Many readers come away from studying the RLS index with questions of how exactly their state can improve. That’s why the Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy (CRCD) has published a comprehensive guide that highlights the areas where improvements can be made to ensure robust safeguards for all citizens.
- [Announcing RLS 2024’s #1 State: Illinois](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/announcing-rls-2024s-1-state-illinois/) (2024-07-19): Illinois has once again earned the highest score in the Religious Liberty in the States (RLS) 2024 rankings, maintaining its position as the top state for protecting religious liberty. Despite this achievement, Illinois' overall score has dropped slightly from the
- [Announcing RLS 2024’s Runner-up State: Florida](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/announcing-rls-2024s-runner-up-state-florida/) (2024-07-19): Florida's increase in the rankings is a good example of the two main ways a state's score is affected from year to year—by passing new laws and having laws on the books that are reflected in new safeguards identified by RLS over time.
- [How RLS Has Expanded in Its Third Edition](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/how-rls-has-expanded-in-its-third-edition/) (2024-07-19): RLS expanded its scope this year to include two new safeguards, bringing the total to 16. Within these safeguards are items that illuminate who is protected from what consequences and what practices those protections enable those individuals to carry out.
- [How To Compare Scores Year-Over-Year with RLS](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/how-to-compare-scores-year-over-year-with-rls/) (2024-07-19): The third year of the Religious Liberty in the States report, like last year’s edition, identifies new safeguards for religious liberty that have increased in awareness and importance over the past year. These new safeguards affect the state rankings from one year to the next. 
- [Religion Unplugged: Illinois and South Carolina Rank Tops in Religious Liberty Index](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/religion-unplugged-illinois-and-south-carolina-rank-tops-in-religious-liberty-index/) (2024-01-09): Illinois and South Carolina have the most religious liberty safeguards currently in place, while states such as West Virginia ranked at the bottom, a report issued by a conservative think tank revealed.
- [The Christian Post: Best and Worst States for Religious Liberty](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/the-christian-post-best-and-worst-states-for-religious-liberty/) (2023-11-13): The Center for Religion, Culture and Democracy at First Liberty Institute released its second annual Religious Liberty in the States report last week. The report ranked all 50 states by the number of safeguards in place for religious liberty. While Mississippi scored highest last year, Illinois received the highest score this year. 
- [RealClear Religion: Not Just for Christians: How Religious Liberty Protections Benefit Religious Minorities](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/realclear-religion-not-just-for-christians-how-religious-liberty-protections-benefit-religious-minorities/) (2023-07-26): Editor’s Note: The following op-ed was published in RealClear Religion on July 19, 2023, and is authored by Trey Dimsdale, executive director of the Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy (CRCD), and Dr. Mark David Hall, senior research fellow for
- [WORLD Opinions: A Blue State Makes a Big Point](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/world-opinions-a-blue-state-makes-a-big-point/) (2023-07-26): One of the most noteworthy changes from the first iteration of the index last year is that the state of Illinois has moved from the second position to the top spot. Last year’s leader, Mississippi, dropped into a tie for fourth.
- [A Technical Note: Comparison Over Time and Editions of RLS](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/a-technical-note-comparison-over-time-and-editions-of-rls/) (2023-07-13): As RLS grows—aiming to measure a fuller potential for safeguarding the free exercise of religion and to provide a richer set of data to interested citizens, legislators, and scholars alike—it is important for users to note the scope of what the index is combining in a given year.
- [Announcing RLS 2023’s #1 State: Illinois](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/announcing-rls-2023s-1-state-illinois/) (2023-07-13): Illinois has earned the highest score in the Religious Liberty in the States (RLS) 2023 rankings due to its long history of protecting religious liberty, resulting in a broad range of state laws that safeguard the free exercise of religion for its residents.
- [Announcing RLS 2023’s Runner-up State: South Carolina](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/announcing-rls-2023s-runner-up-state-south-carolina/) (2023-07-13): South Carolina has made major strides in protecting religious liberty, significantly improving its ranking in the Religious Liberty in the States (RLS) index. While the Palmetto State ranked in 38th place in 2022 with an unimpressive score of 31 percent, it has skyrocketed to second place in 2023 with a strong score of 67 percent.
- [How RLS Has Expanded in the Project’s Second Year](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/how-rls-has-expanded-in-the-projects-second-year/) (2023-07-13): The second year of RLS is a noteworthy development for the project, as it marks the first time that new safeguards were identified and changes in law were tracked over time. Learn more about how RLS has expanded in its second year.
- [Jackson Sun: Tennessee Can Do Better to Protect Religious Liberties](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/jackson-sun-tennessee-can-do-better-to-protect-religious-liberties/) (2022-10-24): Editor’s Note: The following op-ed was published in the Jackson Sun on October 15, 2022, and is authored by Dr. Sean Evans, chairman of the Department of Political Science at Union University. While Tennessee Volunteer football fans are excited about being ranked #6
- [Alabama Political Reporter: Religious Liberty in Alabama: Pretty Good, Could be Better](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/alabama-political-reporter-religious-liberty-in-alabama-pretty-good-could-be-better/) (2022-10-21): Editor’s Note: The following op-ed was published in the Alabama Political Reporter on September 29, 2022, and is co-authored by Dr. Jason Jewell, chair of the Department of Humanities at Faulkner University, and Allen Mendenhall, associate dean of the Sorrell College of Business
- [Holland Sentinel: Michigan Can Do Better on Religious Liberty](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/holland-sentinel-michigan-can-do-better-on-religious-liberty/) (2022-10-19): Editor’s Note: The following op-ed was published in the Holland Sentinel on September 29, 2022, and is co-authored by Dr. Sarah M. Estelle, associate professor of economics at Hope College in Holland, Mich. and director of Religious Liberty in the States, and Dr.
- [Tulsa World: Oklahoma Edges Out Texas in Protecting Religious Liberty](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/tulsa-world-oklahoma-edges-out-texas-in-protecting-religious-liberty/) (2022-10-07): Editor’s Note: The following op-ed was published in the Tulsa World on October 1, 2022, and is authored by Hiram Sasser, executive general counsel for First Liberty Institute and adjunct law professor at Oklahoma City University School of Law. A new ranking of
- [Townhall: Understanding the Role States Have in Protecting Liberty](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/townhall-understanding-the-role-states-have-in-protecting-liberty/) (2022-09-28): Editor's Note: The following op-ed was published in Townhall on September 25, 2022, and is authored by Patrick M. Garry, professor of law at the University of South Dakota and a fellow at the Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy.
- [How Will the RLS Rankings Change After Dobbs?](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/how-will-the-rls-rankings-change-after-dobbs/) (2022-09-28): The inaugural Religious Liberty in the States (RLS) index ranks the fifty states for how well they protect religious liberty in 2022. Of course, the legal landscape in each state will change with time, which is why we’ve designed the
- [RealClear Religion: Religious Liberty Beyond Red and Blue Divides](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/realclear-religion-religious-liberty-beyond-red-and-blue-divides/) (2022-09-22): Editor’s Note: The following op-ed was published in RealClear Religion on September 16, 2022, and is authored by Sarah Estelle, director of Religious Liberty in the States, associate professor of economics at Hope College (Holland, MI), and the founding director
- [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Religious freedom in Pennsylvania is good but could be better](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/pittsburgh-post-gazette-religious-freedom-in-pennsylvania-is-good-but-could-be-better/) (2022-09-22): Editor’s Note: The following op-ed was published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on September 14, 2022, and is authored by Jordan Ballor, director of research at the Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy at First Liberty Institute. Pennsylvania came in 12th
- [Announcing RLS 2022’s #1 State: Mississippi](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/announcing-rls-2022s-1-state-mississippi/) (2022-09-06): Mississippi has undertaken important steps to allow the free exercise of religion within its borders and, in doing so, has earned the highest score of all fifty states in the inaugural Religious Liberty in the States (RLS) rankings. The Magnolia
- [Announcing RLS 2022’s Runner-up State: Illinois](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/announcing-rls-2022s-runner-up-state-illinois/) (2022-09-05): Illinois has a wide range of state laws protecting the free exercise of religion—some that have been on the books for decades, and others that have been implemented recently—earning the second-highest score of all fifty states in the inaugural Religious
- [What Is the Religious Liberty in the States Index & How Does It Work?](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/what-is-the-religious-liberty-in-the-states-index-how-does-it-work/) (2022-09-04): The First Amendment in the Bill of Rights of the US Constitution establishes that people have the right to freely exercise their religion. However, where states have jurisdiction or federal laws are silent, states have the opportunity to protect certain
- [The Worst States for Religious Liberty All Lack RFRAs](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/the-worst-states-for-religious-liberty-all-lack-rfras/) (2022-09-03): The Religious Liberty in the States (RLS) index captures the extent to which people have the freedom to practice their religion in their everyday lives based on their state’s laws, including how they work, spend time with their families, and

## Advisory Council

- [Micah Watson, Ph.D.](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/advisory-council/micah-watson-ph-d/): Dr. Micah Watson is a native of the great golden state of California, where he completed his undergraduate degree at UC Davis. He earned his MA degree in church-state studies at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and holds MA and
- [Asma T. Uddin, J.D.](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/advisory-council/asma-t-uddin/): Asma T. Uddin is a professor, author, and lawyer specializing in religious liberty. Her recent major publications include When Islam Is Not a Religion (2019), The Politics of Vulnerability (2021), and numerous scholarly articles utilizing social science theories to map
- [Amy Black, Ph.D.](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/advisory-council/amy-black/): Dr. Amy E. Black is professor of political science at Wheaton College (IL). She is a specialist in American government, and her teaching and research interests include religion and politics, women in politics, fostering civil dialogue, the Presidency and Congress.
- [Deborah A. O’Malley, Ph.D.](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/advisory-council/deborah-a-omalley/): Deborah A. O’Malley is an assistant professor in the Institute of American Constitutional Thought and Leadership at the University of Toledo. She holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from Baylor University and a B.A. in political science and
- [Jacqueline Pfeffer Merrill, Ph.D.](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/advisory-council/jacqueline-pfeffer-merrill/): Dr. Jacqueline Pfeffer Merrill is Senior Director, Civic Learning and Free Expression Projects at the Council of Independent Colleges. She advises senior college leaders on approaches to fostering a campus culture that is diverse, inclusive, and open to robust intellectual
- [John Witte Jr., J.D.](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/advisory-council/john-witte-jr/): Professor John Witte Jr. is Robert W. Woodruff University Professor of Law, McDonald Distinguished Professor of Religion, and faculty director of the Center for the Study of Law and Religion at Emory University. A leading specialist in legal history, human rights, religious
- [Jonathan Den Hartog, Ph.D. ](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/advisory-council/jonathan-den-hartog/): Dr. Jonathan Den Hartog is professor of history at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, where he also serves as the department chair. He has published articles in Early American Studies, the Journal of Church and State, and the Faulkner Law
- [Michael Wear](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/advisory-council/michael-wear/): Michael Wear is the Founder, President and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life, a nonpartisan, nonprofit institution based in the nation's capital with the mission to contend for the credibility of Christian resources in public life, for
- [Samuel Goldman, Ph.D.](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/advisory-council/samuel-goldman/): Samuel Goldman is an Associate Professor of Humanities in the Hamilton School for Civic and Classical Education at the University of Florida. Before joining UF, Goldman was an Associate Professor of Political Science at George Washington University. He has published in a wide range of outlets and held
- [Stanley Carlson-Thies, Ph.D.](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/advisory-council/stanley-carlson-thies/): Dr. Stanley Carlson-Thies is the founder of the Institutional Religious Freedom Alliance, which promotes the religious freedoms that enable faith-based organizations to make their distinctive contributions to the common good. IRFA is a division of the Center for Public Justice,
- [Vincent Phillip Muñoz, Ph.D.](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/advisory-council/vincent-phillip-munoz/): Dr. Vincent Phillip Muñoz is the Tocqueville Professor of Political Science and concurrent professor of law at the University of Notre Dame. He is the founding director of ND’s Center for Citizenship & Constitutional Government. Dr. Muñoz writes and teaches
- [Waleed El-Ansary, Ph.D.](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/advisory-council/waleed-el-ansary/): Dr. Waleed El-Ansary is the Helal, Hisham and Laila Edris El-Swedey University Chair in Islamic Studies at Xavier University, where he teaches courses on comparative religion, Islamic studies, and religion and science. His research focuses on the intersection of religion,

## Safeguards

- [No Religious Discrimination in Foster Parent Eligibility](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/safeguard/no-religious-discrimination-in-foster-parent-eligibility/)
- [School Protections](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/safeguard/family-and-education-school-protections/)
- [No Religious Discrimination in Financial Services / Insurance Provision](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/safeguard/no-religious-discrimination-in-financial-services/)
- [Recusal of Counseling Provider](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/safeguard/recusal-of-counseling-provider/)
- [Euthanasia Refusal](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/safeguard/euthanasia-refusal/)
- [Clergy-Penitent Privilege Protected](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/safeguard/religious-ceremonial-life-clergy-as-mandatory-reporters/)
- [Nonparticipation in Weddings by Clergy](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/safeguard/nonparticipation-in-weddings-by-clergy/)
- [Health Insurance Mandates](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/safeguard/health-insurance-mandates/)
- [Ceremonial Use of Alcohol by Minors](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/safeguard/religious-ceremonial-life-ceremonial-use-of-alcohol/)
- [Houses of Worship Protected from Closing](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/safeguard/religious-ceremonial-life-houses-of-worship-protected-from-closing/)
- [Religious Freedom Restoration Act](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/safeguard/religious-freedom-restoration-act/)
- [Nonparticipation in Economic Arrangements](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/safeguard/marriage-weddings-for-profit-business-nonparticipation/)
- [Nonparticipation in Weddings by Public Officials](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/safeguard/marriage-weddings-public-official-recusal/)
- [Religious Entity Refusal to Participate in Weddings](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/safeguard/marriage-weddings-refusal-of-religious-entities/)
- [Contraception Refusal](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/safeguard/health-care-provision-contraception-refusal/)
- [Sterilization Refusal](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/safeguard/health-care-provision-sterilization-refusal/)
- [Abortion Refusal](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/safeguard/health-care-provision-abortion-refusal/)
- [General Conscience Protection](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/safeguard/health-care-provision-general-conscience-provision/)
- [Immunization Requirement Exemption](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/safeguard/students-immunization-requirement-exemption/)
- [Absentee Voting](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/safeguard/absentee-voting/)

## States

- [Wyoming](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/wyoming/)
- [Wisconsin](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/wisconsin/)
- [West Virginia](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/west-virginia/)
- [Washington](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/washington/)
- [Virginia](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/virginia/)
- [Vermont](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/vermont/)
- [Utah](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/utah/)
- [Texas](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/texas/)
- [Tennessee](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/tennessee/)
- [South Dakota](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/south-dakota/)
- [South Carolina](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/south-carolina/)
- [Rhode Island](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/rhode-island/)
- [Pennsylvania](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/pennsylvania/)
- [Oregon](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/oregon/)
- [Oklahoma](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/oklahoma/)
- [Ohio](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/ohio/)
- [North Dakota](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/north-dakota/)
- [North Carolina](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/north-carolina/)
- [New York](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/new-york/)
- [New Mexico](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/new-mexico/)
- [New Jersey](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/new-jersey/)
- [New Hampshire](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/new-hampshire/)
- [Nevada](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/nevada/)
- [Nebraska](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/nebraska/)
- [Montana](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/montana/)
- [Missouri](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/missouri/)
- [Mississippi](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/mississippi/)
- [Minnesota](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/minnesota/)
- [Michigan](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/michigan/)
- [Massachusetts](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/massachusetts/)
- [Maryland](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/maryland/)
- [Maine](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/maine/)
- [Louisiana](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/louisiana/)
- [Kentucky](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/kentucky/)
- [Kansas](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/kansas/)
- [Iowa](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/iowa/)
- [Indiana](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/indiana/)
- [Illinois](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/illinois/)
- [Idaho](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/idaho/)
- [Hawaii](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/hawaii/)
- [Georgia](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/georgia/)
- [Florida](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/florida/)
- [Delaware](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/delaware/)
- [Connecticut](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/connecticut/)
- [Colorado](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/colorado/)
- [California](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/california/)
- [Arkansas](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/arkansas/)
- [Arizona](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/arizona/)
- [Alaska](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/alaska/)
- [Alabama](https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/alabama/)

## Machine access to the RLS index

The Religious Liberty in the States index is available to agents as a live data
service, not only as web pages. It covers every state for 2022 through 2026,
with per-safeguard detail, scores, ranks and the statutes behind them.

- MCP server (Streamable HTTP, no authentication): https://mcp.religiouslibertyinthestates.com/mcp
  Tools: about, list_safeguards, rank_states, get_state, compare_states,
  states_by_safeguard, get_safeguard, state_trend. Each takes an optional year.
- OpenAPI description of the same data over REST: https://mcp.religiouslibertyinthestates.com/openapi.json

Cite state pages as https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/state/<slug>/ and
safeguard pages as https://religiouslibertyinthestates.com/safeguard/<slug>/.