The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) condemned the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in U.S. v. Skrmetti, which permits states to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth. UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt called the ruling “irreparably harm[ful]” and a “moral violation,” affirming the UUA’s faith-based commitment to embrace trans, nonbinary, intersex, and gender-diverse individuals. She pledged continued advocacy for these communities. The decision, concerning a 2023 Tennessee law, prompted a special session and workshop at GA 2025 to address its implications for trans justice. This ruling carries widespread consequences, with many anti-trans bills passed or under consideration nationwide. Notably, UUs at GA 2024 overwhelmingly passed a Business Resolution prioritizing the protection of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse people as a core religious value, leading to new UUA resources like a dedicated transgender support specialist. The UUA remains committed to fighting for these rights and affirming human dignity.

On June 15th, the North American Unitarian Association (NAUA) joined the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF), marking a significant milestone that recognizes NAUA as part of the global community of liberal religious organizations. Founded in 1900, IARF is the world’s oldest interfaith organization, uniting members across five continents and over 20 countries, including Unitarians, Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, Muslims, and others who value open inquiry and justice. IARF engages in study, dialogue, and advocacy, holding consultative status at the United Nations to promote liberal religion and defend marginalized communities. Through this membership, NAUA members can participate in IARF programs and initiatives, with NAUA and IARF collaborating on interfaith educational programs and NAUA supporting IARF at the UN. This achievement was facilitated by NAUA’s International Alliances Committee and IARF President George Williams. Further details on collaboration will be shared via NAUA’s newsletter and website.

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.