Latest "first amendment" stories

Vials of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine sit on a table before being administered at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 28, 2022. (Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte/Air Force)

Judge temporarily exempts Air Force officer from vaccine mandate in religious freedom case

The order from the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia marks the first time a court has barred the Air Force from enforcing its mandate for a service member.

By Rachel S. Cohen

20 months ago

Yellow ribbons honoring troops removed from town green amid speech dispute

Litchfield officials are concerned that allowing the ribbons opens the door to any displays of free speech, no matter how hateful or offensive.

21 months ago

Responding to a call for chaplains to reconcile and properly support LGBTQI+ soldiers

The author of this commentary says each chaplain’s interpretation of sacred texts and traditions pertaining to the capability of performing religious rites is a matter of the free exercise of religion.

By Chaplain (Capt.) Jordan Henricks

2 years ago

Appeals court overturns former Air Force lieutenant colonel’s conviction in racial slur case

The retired Air Force lieutenant colonel was convicted of violating Virginia's abusive language law.

2 years ago

VA revamps policies for religious and spiritual symbols

The Department of Veterans Affairs unveiled new policies surrounding religious and spiritual symbols in VA facilities, following several incidents where prior policies were “interpreted inconsistently.”

By Diana Stancy Correll

4 years ago

Air Force colonel’s career restored after same-sex marriage discrimination incident

The Air Force has ruled that one of its commanders had a right to exercise his religious beliefs when he declined to sign a certificate of appreciation for the same-sex spouse of an airman under his command.

By Kyle Rempfer

6 years ago