Leaders at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship look forward to submitting statements to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights about incidents where universities have attempted to restrict the religious liberties of student groups in the name of non-discrimination, the organization said Thursday.

Over the last several years, some colleges have tried to, and in some cases successfully, implemented policies that call for religious student groups to not use religious criteria in leadership selection. The Civil Rights commission announced last month a briefing to be focused on reconciling non-discrimination policies with religious liberties scheduled for later this month.

"We're very excited and very pleased that the commission is looking into this issue," Intervarsity National Field Director for the Northeast Greg Jao told The Christian Post. "For universities to suggest that leaders don't need to hold their beliefs imposes a very foreign theology on these groups. A theology that says leadership requirements don't matter. more >>

The Australian High Court has banned a controversial church from public preaching without a permit, arguing that such a ruling does not constitute as infringement of freedom of speech.

"It's obviously disappointing to hear the judges deny freedom of political communication," said Samuel Corneloup, who along with his brother Caleb preaches at the Street Church in Adelaide, Australia.

"We've always wanted to be law-abiding citizens. What we always wanted were permits to preach in the mall, and the council repeatedly denied us," Corneloup continued, according to The Australian. "We're happy that, with this ruling, the council can't reject us (for permits) because of our content, they can only reject us for obstructing people." more >>

A 20-year Ohio middle school science teacher who was fired in 2011 for teaching creationism in his class will have his day in the Ohio Supreme Court on Wednesday when his lawyers will argue that his firing was a violation of his First and Fourteenth Amendment rights to free speech and religion.

"In oral arguments before the Ohio Supreme Court tomorrow, February 27, The Rutherford Institute will defend the right to academic freedom of a science teacher fired for encouraging students to think critically about the school's science curriculum, particularly as it relates to evolution theories," said the Rutherford Institute in a statement released in response to questions from The Christian Post on Tuesday.

"In coming to veteran science teacher John Freshwater's defense, Institute attorneys argue that the Mount Vernon City School District violated John Freshwater's academic freedom rights – and those of his students – by firing him in January 2011," said the statement. more >>

Attorneys for a former New York 8th-grade student have asked the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit to weigh in on a three-judge panel's ruling against a New York 8th-grade student who wanted to include a religious blessing at the end of her graduation speech.

The Alliance Defending Freedom legal group announced Monday that it had filed the "petition for rehearing en banc" last week that seeks to overturn the Second Circuit panel's ruling, which approved the censorship of the student. Co-counsel David Gibbs originally filed the case, A.M. v. Taconic Hills Central School District, in 2010.

"Public schools should encourage, not shut down, the free exchange of ideas. The personal well-wishes of a student are no different just because they mention God," said Senior Counsel David Cortman. "Public school officials have no legitimate basis to shut down personal speech just because it has a religious reference." more >>

A Subway restaurant located in Angers, France, was forced to close recently after the franchise owner, in an attempt to voice his opposition to the country's expected legalization of same-sex marriage, provided a discount to only heterosexual couples on Valentine's Day.

The owner of the franchise, which is located approximately three hours southwest of Paris, reportedly posted a sign on the front of his establishment on Feb. 14, offering a foot-long sandwich, a drink and a dessert for 14 euros ($18).

Next to this discounted offer, the owner designated the deal as being only available to heterosexual couples, and added an asterisked notation below which read: more >>

Political mudslingers looking for dirt to discredit famed neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Carson after his candid speech criticizing government policies and political correctness at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C. just over a week ago, are probably going to need a miracle finding any major ammunition.

Carson who issued a warning shot to his would-be attackers was responding to a question asked by an audience member during a one-hour Sean Hannity special billed Saving America on Fox News last Friday night.

"Doctor, when you say things that people don't want to hear, usually there is an immediate effort to delegitimize the speaker, were you concerned about that before you made that speech, in that forum, with that audience?" asked radio talk show host, Leslie Gold. more >>