Citizens Defending Freedom Supports Historic Religious Liberty Commission Recommendations

For the first time in American history, the Presidential Religious Liberty Commission has released a comprehensive draft report examining the state of religious liberty in the United States. The report addresses religious freedom in churches, schools, healthcare, military service, the workplace, and public life while proposing recommendations to strengthen constitutional protections for Americans of faith.

The Commission is currently accepting public comments before finalizing the report, giving citizens and organizations across the country a unique opportunity to help shape its final recommendations.

Citizens Defending Freedom (CDF) has submitted an official public comment supporting many of the Commission's proposals and encouraging stronger protections for the constitutional rights of pastors, churches, students, parents, and everyday Americans.

Protecting the Freedom of Churches to Speak

One of the Commission's most significant recommendations calls for the repeal of the Johnson Amendment, a federal tax provision that has long caused many pastors and churches to question whether they may address moral and civic issues without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status. Due to widespread misunderstanding surrounding the law and the Establishment Clause, many church leaders remain hesitant to speak publicly on issues such as the sanctity of life, parental rights, marriage, and religious liberty. 

In its public comment, CDF highlighted the experiences of Pastor Jack Hilligoss of Florida and Pastor Robert Simmons of Texas, both of whom faced significant criticism and legal challenges after addressing matters of public concern from a biblical perspective. While both pastors remained steadfast in their convictions, their experiences demonstrate why greater clarity regarding the constitutional rights of churches and religious leaders is urgently needed.

Defending Religious Expression Beyond Church Walls

Religious liberty does not end when believers leave church. CDF also highlighted its involvement in the successful defense of Duante Newton, a young street preacher acquitted after being charged while peacefully sharing the Gospel in Fort Worth, Texas. His case illustrates why Americans need clear guidance, meaningful enforcement, and accessible avenues for reporting religious liberty violations when they occur.

Strengthening Religious Liberty in Public Schools

The Commission also proposes several recommendations designed to protect the religious freedom rights of students, parents, teachers, and schools.

CDF's own work demonstrates why these recommendations matter.

Following passage of Texas Senate Bill 10, CDF partnered with churches, parents, elected officials, and local communities to help donate more than 13,000 Ten Commandments posters to Texas public schools, including over 1,500 posters donated to Georgetown ISD and nearly 2,000 posters delivered to Sharyland ISD.

CDF also successfully advocated for the return of Bibles to library shelves after they were removed from a Texas school district.

These efforts reinforce the Commission's recommendations encouraging stronger protections for religious expression in schools, additional guidance on students' religious liberty rights, "Know Your Rights" resources, educator training, and support for litigation defending the constitutionality of religious expression in educational settings.

Make Your Voice Heard!

The Commission is accepting public comments through July 13, 2026 before issuing its final report.

Public comments become part of the official administrative record and provide Americans with an opportunity to share their experiences, perspectives, and recommendations directly with the Commission.

The strongest public comments are written in your own words. Whether you are a pastor, parent, educator, healthcare professional, student, or concerned citizen, your perspective matters.

Public Comment Deadline: Monday, July 13, 2026

Email: RLC@usdoj.gov

Required Subject Line: PUBLIC COMMENT – [TOPIC OR CHAPTER NUMBER] – [YOUR NAME] 

Address Your Comment To: Chair Patrick, Vice Chair Carson, and Members of the Commission 

Note: Public comments become part of the official public record. Do not include personal addresses or other sensitive identifying information.

Together, we can encourage policies that strengthen the constitutional protections that allow Americans to live out their faith freely and ensure this historic opportunity is met with thoughtful, faithful participation.