Unitarian Universalists (UUs) and multifaith groups have successfully challenged state laws in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas that mandated the posting of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. Federal courts in all three states have issued injunctions, ruling the laws unconstitutional as they violate the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause, which ensures separation of church and state. In Louisiana (Rev. Roake v. Brumley), a 2024 law requiring Protestant Ten Commandments was blocked, with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upholding the injunction in June 2025, though Louisiana seeks a rehearing. Lead plaintiff Rev. Darcy Roake emphasized that religious education belongs at home. In Arkansas (Stinson v. Fayetteville School District No. 1), a June 2025 law was temporarily blocked by a federal judge, citing a religiously coercive environment. In Texas (Rabbi Nathan v. Alamo Heights Independent School District), a July lawsuit against a law effective September 1 also resulted in an injunction in August. Plaintiffs across these cases include Unitarian Universalists, Jewish, Christian, Hindu, and nonreligious families, all represented by organizations like the ACLU. The issue is considered highly controversial and may eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

Hamit Coskun, fined for burning a Qur’an and making anti-Islam remarks outside the Turkish consulate in London, successfully appealed his conviction for a religiously aggravated public order offence. Mr Justice Bennathan overturned the conviction, asserting that the right to freedom of expression “must include the right to express views that offend, shock or disturb,” even if such acts are “desperately upsetting and offensive” to many. Coskun, supported by organizations like the Free Speech Union and National Secular Society, argued his criticism was of Islam, not its followers, and expressed relief that he could “speak freely about the dangers of radical Islam.” Critics, including Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick, warned that the prosecution risked inadvertently reintroducing blasphemy laws, which were abolished in England and Wales in 2008. Campaigners hailed the ruling as a crucial victory for free speech, emphasizing the importance of tolerating anti-religious protests and preventing fundamentalists from using public disorder to enforce blasphemy codes. Humanists UK, while disagreeing with Coskun’s views, welcomed the overturn and highlighted potential legal gaps in free speech protections.

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), with numerous religious organizations and Americans United for Separation of Church and State, joined an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to uphold Colorado’s 2019 law banning conversion therapy for minors. The brief argues the law protects LGBTQ+ children from “dangerous, ineffective” practices without violating religious freedom or free speech. UUA Executive Vice President Carey McDonald stressed religious groups’ role in protecting LGBTQ+ civil rights and affirming human dignity. The case, challenged by the Alliance Defending Freedom, could impact similar bans nationwide.