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By Newzyy Staff — 5h ago
Religious Activism Expands Beyond Conservative Fronts
A subtle shift in religious activism is taking place, with progressive congregations and organizers increasingly leveraging the concept of "religious freedom" laws to advance their own causes. Unlike their conservative counterparts, who have employed these laws to limit LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive freedoms, these groups are now using the same legislation to fight for racial and social justice.
At the heart of this movement are Religious Freedom Restoration Acts (RFRA), enacted in over half of US states. Designed to safeguard against government overreach and protect the rights of religious minority groups, these laws have been interpreted in new and unexpected ways by progressive faith groups.
One notable example is the efforts of Hoosier Jews for Choice, a Jewish reproductive justice organization. The group filed a class-action lawsuit against Indiana's near-total abortion ban, arguing that restricting abortion access infringes upon their religious rights. In March, a judge granted a preliminary injunction, allowing women with conflicting religious beliefs to access abortion services.
Hoosier Jews for Choice co-founder Elly Cohen explains that Jewish law prioritizes the life of the living person over the fetus, compelling women in some circumstances to terminate their pregnancies. Cohen notes that the law not only restricted abortions but also prompted an exodus of OB-GYNs from the state, exacerbating its already high maternal mortality rate.
Cohen's experience mirrors that of many others, who claim that "religious freedom" laws provide a much-needed tool for defending their civil liberties. By asserting their rights under these laws, progressive congregations and organizers hope to bring about meaningful change and challenge existing power structures.