First Liberty Institute has issued a report showing how each of the 50 states rank in the matters of religious freedom. It is the third annual “Religious Liberty in the States,” which outlines 39 legal provisions that states can adopt to offer religious protections. Those provisions are then organized into 16 safeguards that are averaged, each state receiving a single score on how well they do with the safeguards. Examples of the safeguards include absentee voting for religious reasons, health-care provisions, health insurance mandates, marriage and wedding issues, religious ceremonial life safeguards, and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Despite dropping four points from last year, Illinois remains the top state for religious freedom, scoring an 81 percent. Illinois does not offer protections for medical professionals who do not want to perform an emergency abortion and does not include protections keeping places of worship from being forced to close, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. Florida, Montana, Arkansas, and Mississippi round out the top five. Florida jumped ahead to second place after passing conscience protections. California, Alaska, and West Virginia rank in the last three spots, with West Virginia scoring a 25 percent. “Now is the time for every state to do all they can to protect our first freedom. The Religious Liberty in the States index empowers citizens with the knowledge they need to push to ensure their religious liberties are more fully protected,” said Kelly Shackelford, First Liberty Institute’s president, CEO and chief counsel.

Only twelve states scored a 50 percent or higher in the report. Despite this, the report painted a positive picture of the states’ growing trend towards more religious liberty. “Throughout the past year alone, we’ve witnessed huge momentum in state capitals. Because of First Liberty’s Supreme Court victories, lawmakers from coast-to-coast are passing laws and protections that align with the vision of America’s Founders.

After decades of hostility, the tide is turning. Faith and religious liberty are being restored to where they rightfully and legally belong—and the results of the 2024 RLS reflect this,” the report announced.