Episodi
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Alison, Liz, and Rebecca are joined by Jenifer McKenna to talk about the billion dollar crisis pregnancy center industry and its role in the anti-abortion movement. They discuss the massive harms caused by these unregulated fake clinics, Jenifer’s work on the first multi-state CPC investigation, and a new approach to exposing their unethical tactics and fighting back.
Show Notes
Reproductive Health & Freedom Watch
“Designed to Deceive: A Study of the Crisis Pregnancy Center Industry in Nine States”
Reproductive Health & Freedom Watch: Recent CPC research and analysis
“Why is the billion-dollar unregulated pregnancy clinic industry receiving increasing taxpayer dollars?”
“Unregulated Pregnancy Clinic Industry’s Revenue Soars to $1.7 Billion Annually”
“Anti-Choice Leaders Are Mobilizing Thousands of Unregulated Pregnancy Clinics Against Abortion Access Ballot Initiatives”
Jenifer McKenna’s Ms Magazine articles
“Anti-Abortion Extremists Are Diverting Tax Dollars to Crisis Pregnancy Centers”
“Unregulated Pregnancy Clinics Collect Health Information From Pregnant People—With No Privacy Protection”
“Documentary ‘Preconceived’ Exposes Horrors of Crisis Pregnancy Center Industry: ‘I Came to You for Help. Why Did You Lie?’”
Women’s Law Project
Gender Justice
Rewire investigation on LIFElink Carolina
”Preconceived” Documentary
Cases
NIFLA v. Becerra (2018)
Jane Doe v. Clearway Clinic (2023)
Four Women Health Services v. Abundant Hope Pregnancy Resource Center (2024)
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Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.
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Alison, Liz, and Rebecca interview Sarah Posner, author and interviewer. They discuss the evolution of the Christian right, debate how to talk about Christian Nationalism, and break down the sky high stakes of this year’s election.
Show Notes
Sarah Posner’s Website
Sarah’s new book: Unholy: How White Christian Nationalists Powered the Trump Presidency, and the Devastating Legacy They Left Behind
Previous episode on Project 2025
Anna Bower, Lawfare: “Will Georgia's New Election Rules Allow Trump to Steal the Presidency?”
Catherine Joyce, Vanity Fair: "Behind the Catholic Right’s Celebrity-Conversion Industrial Complex"
Previous episode with interview of Christians Against Christian Nationalism’s Amanda Tyler
Lydia Bean, The Politics of Evangelical Identity
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Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.
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Episodi mancanti?
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Alison, Liz, and Rebecca dig into Project 2025, the comprehensive transition project for the next conservative administration. They explain the project and illustrate the throughlines of its policy agenda— Christian nationalist ideology and the obliteration of the separation of church and state.
Background
SPLC on Alliance Defending Freedom
Project 2025’s Four Pillars
#1: Mandate for Leadership 2025: The Conservative Promise
#2: Presidential Personnel Database & Presidential Administration Academy Questionnaire
New York Times (2024) - “A Questionnaire for Applicants to the Next Conservative White House”
#3: Presidential Administration Academy
ProPublica (2024) - “Inside Project 2025’s Secret Training Videos”
#4: 180-Day Playbook
Katherine Stewart, The Power Worshippers
U.S. Department of Education “Dear Colleague Letter”
Resources
AU’s Project 2025 Hub
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Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.
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Alison, Liz, and Rebecca speak with Wisconsin State Senator Kelda Roys. They discuss what it’s like to be a nonreligious lawmaker in today’s legislative world as well as the threat of Christian Nationalism to our secular democracy and civil rights like reproductive freedom.
Background
Senator Kelda Roys' bio
Congressional Freethought Caucus
Abortion resources
aidaccess.org
plancpills.org
Previous episode that discusses mifepristone
Jessica Valenti substack
Jill Filipovic substack
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Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.
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Alison, Liz, and Rebecca break down the 2024 Supreme Court term. They explain how the Court decided the two cases affecting abortion access, then they explain several other decisions of the Court that massively disrupt how the government functions and shift even more power away from the people.
Cases and Background
Mifepristone Case - FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine
Previous episode
Decision
FFRF and AA’s Amicus Brief
AU’s Amicus Brief
EMTALA Case - Moyle v. US
Previous episode
Decision
Joint Amicus Brief
Chevron Case - Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo
Previous episode on regulations
Decision
SEC v. Jarkesy
Corner Post v. Federal Reserve
Presidency and Criminal Liability Case - Trump v. US
Decision
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Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.
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Alison, Liz, and Rebecca are joined by reproductive rights expert, political strategist, and advocate Maya Rupert. They discuss how the fight for reproductive justice is being waged post-Dobbs and why the personal has never been more political.
Background
When We Win with Maya Rupert
Center For Reproductive Rights
National Women’s Law Center
Explanation of EMTALA
Joint amicus brief
Episode 30 - The Mifepristone Case at SCOTUS
Cases
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022)
Moyle v. United States (2024)
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Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.
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Not two years after overturning Roe v. Wade, the US Supreme Court is considering a case that threatens to take the abortion pill, mifepristone, off the market. Alison, Liz, and Rebecca explain how the anti-abortion activist lawsuit started, how it got to the Court, and what we learned from the recent oral arguments.
Background
SCOTUSblog
Oral arguments transcript
FFRF’s Trump judges report
Americans United’s amicus brief
FFRF and AA’s joint amicus brief
New York Times (2021) - “F.D.A. Will Permanently Allow Abortion Pills by Mail”
FFRF’s Ask An Atheist - “Dr. Alito, What Pills Can I Take?”
Other Links
Episode 9 – No Victory for Religious Liberty: Discussing Coach Prayer with Rachel Laser
AU’s Website
FFRF’s Website
AA’s Website
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Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.
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Alison, Liz, and Rebecca welcome guest Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee and lead organizer of BJC’s Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign. They discuss the urgent threat that Christian nationalist ideology poses to American democracy, how nonreligious and religious Americans alike can fight back, and Amanda explains the strong historical tradition of supporting state/church separation in the Baptist movement.
Show Notes
Amanda Tyler’s Bio
How to End Christian Nationalism by Amanda Tyler
Baptist Joint Committee
Respecting Religion Podcast
Roger Williams Symposium: Is This a Christian Nation?
BCJ and FFRF’s joint report “Christian Nationalism and the January 6, 2021 Insurrection”
Christians Against Christian Nationalism
Previous episode that talks about the Texas chaplain bill
BJC’s "say 'no' to chaplains in public schools"
FFRF’s 2023 Convention Panel on Christian Nationalism
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Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.
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Join Rebecca, Alison and Liz for a journey through the history and principles behind the U.S. exempting churches from taxation! We discuss the practice of tax exemption for charitable organizations, including churches, the major cases about the constitutionality of these ideas, and abuses of the Johnson Amendment.
Background
History of churches and taxes
2024 State of the Secular States report
FFRF FAQ on churches and tax exemption
Churchtrac - The State of Church Giving: Trends and Statistics (2024)
IRS requirements for church audits
Other podcasts that talk about church taxation
Tax Chat
Evangelicalish
Cases
Trinidad v. Sagrada Orden (1924)
Walz v. Tax Commission of the City of New York (1970)
FFRF’s IRS Cases
FFRF v. Geithner (2014)
FFRF v. Daniel Werfel (2014)
Gaylor v. Mnuchin (2016)
Nonbelief Relief v. Kautter (2019)
Texas Monthly v. Bullock (1989)
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
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Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.
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It’s that wonderful time of year when Alison guides Rebecca and Liz through the upcoming legislative sessions in states across the country. We discuss upsetting trends in state legislation and bills we’re monitoring that affect the separation of church and state and threaten true religious liberty for everyone.
Background and Resources
Previous episode about the legislative process
Previous episode about Texas
2024 State of the Secular States report
American Atheists State Legislation Tracker
What you can do
FFRF and American Atheists’ Action Alerts
Equality Florida
ACLU State Affiliates
Reproductive Freedom For All
Bills Discussed
Religion in schools
School chaplain bills
Texas
Florida
Indiana
Nebraska
Alabama
Oklahoma HB 2962: Would require the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms
Utah HB 269: Would allow teachers to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms
Arizona SB 1151: Would allow teachers to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms
West Virginia SB 280: Would allow teachers to each intelligent design as a theory of how the universe came to exist
Trans bills
The Guardian - “Missouri is ground zero for the firehose of anti-trans legislation”
Missouri HB1674: Would make it discrimination for a business to allow trans employees to access appropriate bathrooms
Utah HB 257: Would make using a bathroom that does not align with one’s sex assigned at birth a criminal trespass offense
Healthcare
Missouri HB 1519: Prohibits discrimination against health care professionals who refuse to assist in trans healthcare
Oklahoma SB 1729: Would recognize abortion as homicide
Idaho HJR001: Would remove the no aid clause from the Idaho constitution
Cases Discussed
Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971)
Kennedy v. Bremerton School District (2022)
Stone v. Graham (1980)
Van Orden v. Perry (2005)
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Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.
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Liz and Rebecca answer your burning questions on religious liberty issues and more! This episode, we reach into the mailbag and take on topics from YOU, our loyal listeners.
Background
FFRF’s Website
American Atheists’ Website
Alliance for Justice: Statement of Principles: The Biden Administration Must Prioritize Judges
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Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.
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Alison, Liz, and Rebecca interview Anaya Gayle—lawyer, ex-Mormon, and former BYU assistant dean. They discuss the power and influence the church wields and life for LGBTQ+ students at BYU, as Anaya shares her experience inside the insular LDS community.
Background
More about Anaya Gayle
Anaya's Bio
Interview with the Human Stories podcast
News story - “Former BYU assistant dean speaks out against Honor Code”
BYU Honor Code controversy
BYU Honor Code
"The Divine Institution of Marriage": An Overview of LDS Involvement in the Proposition 8 Campaign
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Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.
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Alison, Liz, and Rebecca are joined by Professor Marci Hamilton, legal icon and leading expert on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and extreme religious liberty. Professor Hamilton explains the origin story of RFRA, how it has led us to the emerging theocracy we face, and what Americans can do to reclaim true religious liberty before it’s too late.
Submit a question for the holiday mailbag episode here!
Background
Professor Marci Hamilton’s bio
CHILD USA, Prof. Hamilton's think tank
FFRF’s FAQ on RFRA
Congressional Research Service primer on RFRA
Cases
City of Boerne v. Flores (1997)
Employment Division v. Smith (1990)
Tanzin v. Tanvir (2020)
FFRF’s amicus brief, written by Marci Hamilton
American Atheists and Center For Inquiry’s amicus brief
303 Creative LLC v. Elenis (2023)
U.S. Pastor Council (Braidwood Management) v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (2023)
Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School v. EEOC (2012)
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Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.
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Alison, Liz, and Rebecca go back to school! They discuss the latest wild and crazy state/church violations in public schools reported to their organizations, the postscript on the Coach Kennedy case, and the alarming move by Oklahoma to create the first religious public school.
Background
Pray to Play report
Prayer Walks and Public Schools report
We Dissent Episode 5 – You, Coach Kennedy, are no Tim Tebow
Complaints Discussed
Auburn University football team baptism
Baptism in Charlotte County Public Schools, FL
“Jesus and Germs are Everywhere” sign in Victor Valley Union High School District, CA
Prayer walk in Marion County Public Schools, FL
Cases
Kennedy v. Bremerton School District (2022)
Liz Cavell, FFRF - “Praying coach’s actions do not alter the Constitution”
Hiram Sasser, First Liberty - “School district that fired praying coach Joe Kennedy under investigation, again”
Stone v. Graham (1980)
Trinity Lutheran v. Comer (2017)
Espinoza v. Montana Dept. of Revenue (2020)
St. Isidore Charter School Lawsuit - OKPLAC v. Statewide Virtual Charter School Board (2023)
Attorney General O'Connor’s December 2022 letter
FFRF’s January 2023 memo
Attorney General Drummond’s February 2023 letter
Engel v. Vitale (1962)
Resources
American Atheists Report a Violation
FFRF Report a Violation
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Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.
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Alison, Liz, and Rebecca take a deep dive into Texas for a case study in theocratic government. They discuss recent Christian nationalist legislation advancing in the state, the takeover of state institutions by conservative Christian legal groups, and the many state/church battles their organizations have fought in Texas.
Background
Texas Monthly - “How a Right-wing Law Firm Shaped the Judge Who Will Rule on the Abortion Pill”
The Washington Post - “Texas legislature passes bill allowing chaplains in public schools”
Religion News Service - “More than 100 chaplains urge Texans not to hire school chaplains”
FFRF, Americans United, and the ACLU/ACLU of Texas letter to Texas school districts
FFRF - “Thou shalt honor our secular public schools, Texas”
Texas Tribune - “Key supporter of Texas school chaplain bill has pushed for evangelism in schools”
Resources
FFRF Action Alert sign-up
FFRF report a violation
American Atheists report a violation
American Atheists Action Alerts sign-up
School Chaplain Law Advocacy Toolkit
Interfaith Alliance “Say No to Chaplains in Public Schools” campaign page
Bills Discussed
HB 4949/SB 1396 and SB 19: Would allow a period of prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious text in public schools
SB 17: Would have created the right for a public school employee to engage in religious speech or prayer while on duty
SB 1515: Would require the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools
SB 763: Would allow school districts to employ chaplains to perform the duties of school counselors
Cases
American Atheist’s Metroplex Atheists lawsuit
FFRF’s Texas Bill of Rights display lawsuit
FFRF’s praying judge lawsuit
Stone v. Graham (1980)
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Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.
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Alison, Liz, and Rebecca discuss a better vision for religious liberty with Liz Reiner Platt, director of the Law, Rights, and Religion Project, a law and policy think tank based at Columbia Law School. They talk about using religious exemptions to promote progressive social causes and issues, including the legal fight for a right to abortion based on freedom of conscience.
Background
Liz Reiner Platt bio
Law, Rights, and Religion Project
We Dissent episode about 303 Creative
Resources
All Faiths and None: A Guide to Protecting Religious Liberty for Everyone
A Religious Right to Abortion: Legal History and Analysis
Parading the Horribles: The Risk of Expanding Religious Exemptions
Amicus Briefs
LRRP - Dousa v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security
LRRP “ No More Deaths” case - United States vs. Warren
American Atheists - Tanzin v. Tanvir
LRRP - United States v. Safehouse
LRRP and FFRF - Jane Doe v. AG of Indiana Amicus Brief
LRRP - 303 Creative v. Elenis
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Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.
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The Supreme Court continues to mess up civil rights for everyone. In this episode Rebecca and Liz discuss the two opinions handed down by the Supreme Court at the end of June, Groff v. DeJoy and 303 Creative v. Elenis. They recap the case, summarize the rulings, and discuss implications of the decisions.
Background
Groff v. DeJoy
SCOTUS decision
SCOTUSBlog - “Justices rule in favor of evangelical Christian postal worker”
Vox - “The other big decision handed down by the Supreme Court today, explained”
AA Groff v. DeJoy press release
FFRF Groff v. DeJoy press release
303 Creative v. Elenis
SCOTUS Decision
SCOTUSBlog - “Supreme Court rules website designer can decline to create same-sex wedding websites”
Vox - “Neil Gorsuch has a problem with telling the truth”
FFRF 303 Creative press release
AA 303 Creative press release
Cases
Trans World Airlines, Inc. v. Hardison (1977)
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Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.
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Alison, Rebecca, and Liz discuss the pending Post Office case—Groff v. DeJoy—another high-stakes case in which the Supreme Court considers how much hardship a business must bear to accommodate the religious practices of employees. They explain how the case threatens to disrupt decades of case law interpreting Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and what the oral arguments may have signaled about the potential outcome.
Background
SCOTUS Blog Page
Oral arguments transcript
Freedom From Religion Foundation’s amicus brief
Center for Inquiry and American Atheists’ amicus brief
SCOTUS Blog - “Justices look for common ground in postal worker’s religious liberty case”
Vox - “The Supreme Court is unlikely to put the Christian Right in charge of your workplace — at least not yet”
Time - “The Post Office Made a Christian Employee Work on Sundays. Now He's at the Supreme Court”
New York Times - “Supreme Court Weighs Clash of Postal Worker’s Sabbath and Sunday Deliveries”
Cases
Trans World Airlines, Inc. v. Hardison (1977)
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Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.
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Rebecca, Liz, and Alison discuss the state of state/church separation with Professor Caroline Corbin, constitutional law professor at the University of Miami. They review the history of Establishment Clause jurisprudence, remind listeners about what the Supreme Court did to the religion clauses in 2022, and discuss where we stand now in regards to rights under the First Amendment. TLDR: If you’re a Christian, rest assured it’s a “Heads I Win, Tails You Lose” court.
Background
Professor Caroline Corbin’s bio
The Remains of the Establishment Clause (Lupu & Tuttle, updated 2023)
James Madison’s Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments
Previous We Dissent episodes on Carson v. Makin
The Sleeper Case: Carson v. Makin
Bonus Episode! Carson v. Makin Update
American Atheists Kennedy v. Bremerton amicus brief
Cases
Firewalker-Fields v. Lee (2023)
Town of Greece v. Galloway (2014)
Sambrano v. United Airlines (2022)
County of Allegheny v. American Civil Liberties Union (1989)
The American Legion v. American Humanist Association (2019)
Stone v. Graham (1980)
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Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.
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Alison, Liz, and Rebecca are joined by Katie O’Connor, Deputy Chief Counsel at Demand Justice, to discuss court reform. Katie explains how the Supreme Court and federal courts have been broken, why it’s an existential threat to our secular democracy, and how we can fix it.
Background
Demand Justice
FFRF report on Trump judges
Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court of the United States
Legislation Discussed
Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2023
H.R.1 - For the People Act of 2021
H.R.4 - John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021
H.R.2584 - Judiciary Act of 2021
H.R.5140 - Supreme Court Term Limits and Regular Appointments Act of 2021
H.R.4886 - District Court Judgeships Act of 2021
H.R.8936 - Circuit Court Judgeships Act of 2022
H.R.642 - Restoring Judicial Separation of Powers Act
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Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.
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