Religious Liberty

In focus: Pope headed to Mongolia, water rule challenged, immigration bill raises religious liberty concerns

In the spotlight: National March for Life, Ukraine helicopter crash, farm animal blessing

In focus: Antisemitism, Nicaraguan crisis, clemency for Christmas

In focus: Respect for Marriage Act heads to president, protected status extended for Haitian immigrants, Peru bishops speak out against attempted coup

The Biden administration declined to appeal a unanimous ruling by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans that struck down a transgender mandate that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has implemented as a revision to the Affordable Care Act.

Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester said the measure “fails to include clear, comprehensive and affirmative conscience protections for religious organizations and individuals who uphold the sanctity of traditional marriage that are needed.”

The Respect for Marriage Act “does not strike a balance that appropriately respects our nation’s commitment to the fundamental right of religious liberty,” said the cardinal, who is chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee for Religious Liberty.

The 38-year-old inmate won a Supreme Court battle March 24 to have his pastor pray with him during his execution.