Florida Tops the Charts for Religious Liberty in 2025: A Closer Look at the Latest Rankings
In a significant development for religious freedom advocates, Florida has claimed the title of the best state for religious liberty in the United States, according to the newly released "Religious Liberty in the States" report. This annual analysis, conducted by the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy at the First Liberty Institute, ranks states based on the legal protections they provide for religious freedom.
The report, co-authored by Mark David Hall and Paul D. Mueller, assessed 47 distinct safeguards related to conscience protection. These safeguards encompass a wide range of issues, including health insurance mandates, the rights of clergy, and protections for individuals refusing participation in certain medical procedures on religious grounds.
Florida’s impressive score of 74.6% marks a significant leap from its previous ranking, where it was sixth in the nation just a couple of years ago. The report highlights that Florida’s advancements stem from recent legislation enhancing medical conscience protections and safeguarding houses of worship from discriminatory practices during emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. As the report states, "Florida is an exemplar for how state legislators can improve their state’s protection of religious liberty."
Following Florida in the rankings are Montana and Illinois, with scores of 70.6% and 68.8%, respectively. Montana has made remarkable strides, improving its score by over 30% since the report’s inception in 2022, largely due to the introduction of enhanced conscience protections. Meanwhile, Illinois has seen a decline of 11 percentage points, raising concerns about the state’s commitment to religious liberty protections.
The report also sheds light on some of the states that lag behind in safeguarding religious freedoms. West Virginia continues to hold the unfortunate title of the state with the least religious liberty protections, scoring only 19.6%. Wyoming, Michigan, Nebraska, and Vermont follow closely behind, with scores ranging from 23.3% to 29.3%. Alarmingly, about 76% of states have adopted fewer than half of the analyzed religious liberty safeguards.
The findings reveal a pressing need for more robust protections across the nation. Many states, including Mississippi, which experienced the most significant decline in its score, highlight the importance of ongoing legislative efforts to enhance religious freedoms.
In a recent statement, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis celebrated the state’s top ranking, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to protecting religious rights. "Religious liberty is critical to the foundation and function of America, and I am proud that Florida excels in protecting this right," he stated, underscoring the role of state policies in fostering an environment where religious beliefs can flourish without fear of discrimination.
As the conversation around religious liberty continues to evolve, this report serves as a crucial tool for advocates, lawmakers, and citizens alike. It encourages a deeper understanding of the legal landscape surrounding religious freedoms and the importance of legislative action in safeguarding these essential rights.
For further insights into the report and details on how your state ranks in terms of religious liberty protections, you can access the full report here and explore additional resources on the First Liberty Institute’s website.
As we move forward, it is vital to keep the dialogue open and advocate for policies that uphold the freedom of conscience, ensuring that religious beliefs can be practiced freely across the nation. The journey toward comprehensive religious liberty protections is ongoing, and each state’s legislative decisions will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of this fundamental right.