Trump's week in review: Saudi Arabia's nuclear deal; data center push; escalating war in Iran

4. Department of Justice issues updated religious liberty guidance 

The U.S. Department of Justice released new guidance on religious liberty to all executive departments and agencies Thursday. This marks the first time the DOJ has issued updated guidance on the topic since 2017. The new guidance is designed to incorporate recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions on religious liberty. 

“Religious liberty is one of our Nation’s founding principles and a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche in a statement announcing the guidance’s publication. “It is essential that federal agencies fully respect and protect the ability of all Americans to live out their faith in daily life, including in their interactions with the federal government.” 

The new guidance closely mirrors the previous guidance issued in 2017 and includes a bullet point clarifying that “Government may not interfere with parental rights to direct the religious upbringing of their children.” According to the new guidance, “Parents have the right to direct the religious upbringing and education of their children. This right extends beyond a mere right to teach religion in the confines of one’s home and encompasses the choices parents make for their children outside the home.” 

“Government policies that substantially interfere with the religious development of children violate this right,” the guidance states. “Government may not choose to condition the availability of public benefits, such as public schooling, upon parents’ willingness to surrender their religious freedom.”