Which states are the best and worst at protecting religious liberty?

July 25, 2025

Which states are the best and worst at protecting religious liberty is the subject of a new report titled “Religious Liberty in the States” from the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy at the First Liberty Institute.

The Christian Post reports that the report, which was co-authored by Mark David Hall and Paul D. Mueller, examined the legal protections or “safeguards” for religious freedom enacted by each state.

Researchers analyzed 47 distinct safeguards pertaining to conscience protection on issues like euthanasia refusal, health insurance mandates, ceremonial use of alcohol by minors, foster parent requirements.

Other issues included absentee voting for religious reasons, and clergy nonparticipation in weddings and designating clergy as mandatory reporters.

Florida was ranked the best state for religious freedom, edging out Illinois which held the number one ranking in 2024.

According to the Christian Post, Montana ranked second with a score of 70.6%, followed by Illinois at 68.8%, Ohio at 66.9%, Mississippi at 66.4%, Arkansas at 62.9% and South Carolina at 60.8%.

West Virginia was ranked last in religious liberty protections for the third consecutive year with Wyoming coming as the second worst state, followed by Michigan, Nebraska and Vermont.

Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis celebrated his state’s number one ranking and touted the efforts his administration has made including laws on school choice, designating churches as essential services in time of emergency and the creation of a school chaplain program.

DeSantis said, “We’re grateful for this recognition from the First Liberty Institute, which has just named Florida the #1 state in the nation for protecting religious liberty. Religious liberty is critical to the foundation and function of America, and I am proud that Florida excels in protecting this right.”

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