Survey Reveals Most Want Faith in Public Life

Clear Facts

• The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty’s new survey shows Americans increasingly support public religious expression and parental rights in education.
• Seventy-three percent of respondents believe parents should have the ability to opt their children out of public school curriculum, a rise of ten points since 2021.
• Fifty-seven percent say religious freedom should be openly expressed in public spaces, including schools and workplaces.

Recent findings indicate a growing push for faith to be part of America’s public life, rather than limited to private settings.

This change appears especially strong among younger generations, who favor open displays of religious beliefs and stronger parental control over school content.

“This year’s Index shows that Americans – and especially younger generations – increasingly share a vigorous vision of religious liberty, one that is not confined to churches and private homes but expressed openly in the public square,” Becket wrote in its report.

Parental rights continue to resonate with most Americans, especially in light of Supreme Court decisions supporting parents’ ability to remove their children from certain classroom topics.

Sixty-two percent backed the court’s ruling that protected the right of Maryland parents to opt out of lessons on sexuality and gender, a case brought by Becket representing families of different faiths.

“When it comes to raising children, mom and dad know best. That common-sense idea commands overwhelming support, with nearly three-quarters of Americans agreeing that parents should have the final say on what their children are taught in public school. It’s a powerful reminder that in our nation, families—not government officials—are the primary educators of the next generation,” said Eric Baxter, vice president and senior counsel at Becket.

The survey also documented majorities defending Christian counselors’ freedom to guide children, and supporting business owners’ rights to act according to their conscience.

Fifty-eight percent said bakers and cake artists should not be forced to produce items that violate their beliefs.

Sixty-five percent agreed with a Supreme Court decision favoring a Catholic charity in a dispute over tax exemptions in Wisconsin.

New federal guidance clarified that public workers are within their rights to share religious invitations and beliefs at work.

Across the board, the desire for religious liberty and parental authority remains strong among Americans who value traditional rights and freedoms.

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Read the full report here