Arkansas has become the leading state in the US for protecting religious freedoms. The annual Religious Freedom Index published by First Liberty Institute placed Arkansas first with a score of 89.2%, giving the state an 'excellent' rating.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the laws she signed played a critical role in this achievement. 'Religious freedom is America's first freedom, and Arkansas is leading the nation in protecting it,' Sanders stated.
The index evaluates 50 legal protections across 20 different areas, including education, healthcare, family law, and economic activities. Arkansas jumped six places in the rankings compared to last year.
Behind this rise is Act 677, which Governor Sanders signed last year. The law prohibits state and local governments from penalizing individuals, businesses, and organizations that act according to their religious beliefs on marriage and biological sex.
Another step expanding Arkansas's religious freedom protections was the Conscience Protection Act signed in 2023. This law strengthened the state's Religious Freedom Restoration Act by banning discrimination against religious organizations.
First Liberty President Kelly Shackelford called on other states to follow Arkansas's example, saying, 'Religious freedom is best protected when leaders are willing to act before the rights of people of faith are threatened.'
Project Director Mark David Hall emphasized that states serve as laboratories of freedom. Governor Sanders had also defended religious freedom against criticism over declaring state offices closed for Christmas in December.
Deputy Project Director Paul D. Mueller said the index is a roadmap for citizens and lawmakers: 'With this index, citizens and lawmakers can see where their state excels, where it needs improvement, and which existing laws can better protect the right of conscience.'
