Religious Liberty
The ACLU strives to safeguard the First Amendment's guarantee of religious liberty by ensuing that laws and governmental practices do not promote religion, favor particular faiths over others, or interfere with individuals' right to practice their faith. These complimentary protections allow religious liberty and diversity to thrive.
The Latest
Key Legal Updates From a Busy Summer in Court
It's been a very busy summer in court. Catch up on some of the biggest highlights in cases ranging from freedom of speech and religion to voting rights and immigrants' rights.
Civil Rights Organizations Urge Students, Parents, Teachers, and Staff to Know Their Rights as the Academic Year Begins
The ACLU of Maine, EqualityMaine, and GLAD Law have released a comprehensive Know Your Rights guide reflecting recent changes in law, including immigrants’ rights under new ICE Out laws and LGBTQ+ rights.
Back to School 2026: A Know Your Rights Guide for Students, Faculty, & Staff
It's more important than ever for students, families, teachers, and school staff to know their rights and how to protect them.
Appeals Court Rules Private Schools Receiving State Funds Cannot Discriminate
The U.S. Court of Appeals rejected arguments from religious schools asserting they should be exempt from laws prohibiting discrimination based on faith, gender identity, and sexual orientation even when receiving state funds.
Cases, Campaigns & Legislation
Jul 2, 2026
St. Dominic Academy v. Makin – Separation of Church and State
Crosspoint Church sought an exemption from Maine law so it could discriminate against students while receiving state funds. The right to discriminate has never been recognized by any court, and any school that wants to participate in state educational programs must play by the same rules as all others.
Jul 2, 2026
Crosspoint Church v. Makin – Separation of Church and State
Crosspoint Church, which operates Bangor Christian School, sought an exemption from state law so it could openly discriminate against LGBTQ students while receiving taxpayer education funds at the same time.
Jun 21, 2022
Carson v. Makin - Separation of Church and State
In October 2021, we filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court of the United States arguing that a Maine law prohibiting the use of taxpayer funding for religious instruction at religious schools was constitutional. For the first time, the Court explicitly required taxpayers to support religious education.
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