Trump’s New Religious Liberty Commission Sparks Controversy

UPDATE: Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has officially launched the nation’s first Religious Liberty Commission, a move that is generating intense debate across the country. Announced on May 1, 2025, the commission is comprised of a handpicked panel of 17 members tasked with exploring and promoting policies aimed at protecting religious freedoms, particularly for Christians.

This urgent initiative follows a surprising phone call from President-elect Donald Trump shortly after the November 2024 election, during which he expressed his intent to prioritize faith-based issues. Patrick, who describes the moment as a “God moment,” suggested creating this commission to address what he termed an “assault on people of faith” during previous administrations.

The commission’s mission is particularly timely as it approaches the 250th anniversary of the U.S., aiming to provide recommendations that could lead to significant executive orders or legislative changes. Patrick stated that the hearings will focus on vital questions regarding religious expression in public spaces, including schools and workplaces.

The panel is preparing for its next public hearing in Dallas, originally scheduled for November 17, 2025, but postponed due to a government shutdown. The hearing will spotlight testimonies related to religious oppression, especially in local governments and the military.

Critics are voicing concerns over the commission’s overwhelmingly Christian composition, which some argue undermines the principle of religious liberty for all. The commission has faced backlash from groups like Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, which accuses it of promoting Christian nationalism.

Patrick defends the panel’s makeup, asserting it reflects the demographics of religious Americans, where 62% identify as Christian, a figure that remains significant despite a growing number of religiously unaffiliated individuals, now at 29% in the U.S.

The commission’s work comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over religious rights, particularly after incidents like the sentencing of Paulette Harlow, a 75-year-old activist imprisoned for demonstrating outside an abortion clinic while singing hymns. Patrick emphasized the commission’s goal to ensure that such actions are not criminalized.

With a range of advisory boards also in place, which include prominent religious leaders and legal experts, the commission aims to outline actionable steps for protecting religious liberties. However, the lack of diversity among faiths represented, particularly the absence of Muslim leaders, raises questions about the commission’s commitment to true religious freedom for all.

As the commission gears up for its next hearing, observers are left to wonder how it will navigate the complexities of American religious diversity while remaining true to its mission. With Patrick leading the charge, Texas is positioned as a pivotal player in the national dialogue on religious liberty, making it crucial for citizens to stay informed on these developments.

The ongoing discussions and testimonies are expected to shape the future landscape of religious freedom in America, with implications that could resonate well beyond Texas. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation evolves.