Governor Pete Ricketts officially proclaimed “Religious Freedom Week” in Nebraska at a ceremony at the State Capitol on Wednesday. The Governor gathered with Christian, Hindu, and Jewish religious leaders to highlight the right to religious freedom and the social benefits that come from the free exercise of religion.
“Religious freedom is the first freedom listed in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution,” said Gov. Ricketts. “That’s no accident. Religious freedom is the cornerstone of a free society. Nebraskans exercise this freedom by standing up for the most vulnerable, serving the disadvantaged, and seeking the well-being of their neighbors. The State of Nebraska affirms the right to religious freedom and is fully committed to protecting it.”
In June, the U.S. Supreme Court issued two landmark rulings that upheld religious freedom. On June 21st, the Court ruled in favor of families who challenged the anti-religious bias of the state of Maine’s school funding system. On June 27th, the Court ruled in favor of former high school football coach Joseph Kennedy who had been punished by the school for praying at the 50 yard line after games. The ruling upheld an individual’s right to personally exercise religion in the context of public employment.
The Nebraska Constitution, like the U.S. Constitution strongly asserts the right to religious freedom. Article 1-4 proclaims that “All persons have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences.”
Governor Ricketts thanked Nebraska’s religious communities for their many contributions to the state that include People’s City Mission and Boys Town. He also expressed concern of the rising number attacks on places of worship across America and called on Nebraskans to combat anti-religious prejudice.
