Legal, religious, political experts to explore religious freedom

In the wake of controversy in Indiana, a panel of academic, spiritual and legal leaders will explore the Religious Freedom Restoration Act during an April 20 panel discussion.

The Center for Religious Diversity and Public Life at UCCS will sponsor the discussion scheduled for 7:15 p.m. April 20 in University Center Room 302. The 75-minute session will feature Timothy Fuller, professor, Department of Political Science, Colorado College; Martin Nussbaum, attorney, Lewis Roca Rothgerber, Colorado Springs; Mark Silverstein, legal director, American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado and Rev. Nori Rost, pastor, All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, Colorado Springs. Jeff Scholes, assistant professor, Department of Philosophy, UCCS, and center director will moderate the discussion.

“While proponents of RFRA claim that the law ensures the First Amendment protection of the right to express religion freely, others argue that the law could legitimate discrimination against the LGBT community when businesses fall under its protection,” Scholes said.  “As we saw in Indiana earlier this month, this bill is highly controversial, yet what it is and its implications are still somewhat unclear. We hope the panel at this event can help clear up some of the confusion.”

Parking for the event will be free in lot 222. The event is free and open to all. For more information, contact Scholes at [email protected] or 255-8113.