Pacific Justice Institute Urges Stronger Religious Liberty Protections in Federal Recommendations

Public comment letter supports key Religious Liberty Commission proposals while recommending additional safeguards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) has submitted a public comment letter to the Religious Liberty Commission, urging the Commission to strengthen its draft recommendations to the President and Congress on protecting religious freedom in America. The letter was submitted in response to the Commission's request for public input before finalizing its report.

PJI's comments express broad support for the Commission's work while recommending additional protections for churches, religious organizations, military service members, students, healthcare professionals, and families. The organization also encourages Congress to codify the

Commission's recommendations into law to provide lasting protections for religious liberty.

Among its recommendations, PJI supports repealing the Johnson Amendment, clarifying Internal Revenue Service guidance for churches and faith-based organizations, expanding legal protections for church autonomy, strengthening conscience protections for military personnel and healthcare workers, extending the Equal Access Act to public colleges and universities, and preserving parental choice in education through school choice initiatives. The letter also supports strategic litigation defending religious liberty and First Amendment rights.

The comment letter also urges the Commission to strengthen several recommendations before issuing its final report. PJI recommends additional training for military attorneys and commanders on religious accommodation requirements under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 following litigation involving military COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

PJI also recommends extending the statute of limitations for certain acts of antisemitism, refining language concerning military religious expression, and creating stronger legal remedies for free speech violations on college campuses.

Furthermore, PJI recommends limiting certain protections for charitable organizations to nongovernmental organizations that do not receive taxpayer funding. The letter states that organizations receiving public funds should remain subject to appropriate public accountability while preserving constitutional protections for religious organizations.

Andrea Hitefield, staff attorney and legislative counsel for Pacific Justice Institute, said the Commission has an important opportunity to strengthen religious liberty protections across the country.

"The Religious Liberty Commission has undertaken an important review of the challenges facing people of faith throughout America. We appreciate the Commission's willingness to receive public input and believe its recommendations can provide meaningful protection for religious freedom. Our comments are intended to strengthen those recommendations and help ensure that Americans can freely exercise their faith without unnecessary government interference."

Brad Dacus, president and founder of Pacific Justice Institute, said religious liberty remains one of the nation's most important constitutional freedoms.

"Religious liberty is America's first freedom because it protects the right of every person to live according to sincerely held beliefs without government coercion. The Commission has an opportunity to recommend reforms that will protect churches, families, students, military personnel, healthcare professionals, and people of every faith for generations to come. Pacific Justice Institute is honored to contribute to that effort."

The Religious Liberty Commission released its draft report in June 2026 and invited public comments before issuing its final recommendations. PJI's submission affirms many of the Commission's proposals while recommending targeted revisions designed to strengthen constitutional protections and improve implementation.

The comment letter was also shared with the National Council for Religious Freedom as a resource for other organizations preparing submissions before the public comment deadline.

Pacific Justice Institute continues to defend religious liberty, parental rights, free speech, and other constitutional freedoms through litigation, legislative advocacy, and public education nationwide.

Read Pacific Justice Institute's COMMENT LETTER.

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