The RP’s Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of Faith

New York’s same-sex marriage law protects religious organizations from lawsuits and government penalties for refusing to provide their buildings or services for same-sex marriage ceremonies.  The New York Civil Liberties Union accepts the exemptions–its executive director says the legislation “respects the right of clergy, churches and religious organizations to decide for themselves which marriages they will or will not solemnize or celebrate in keeping with our country’s principles of religious freedom.” [NY Times]

92% of people surveyed in a recent gallup poll say they believe in God or a universal spirit. [Salon.com]

Can atheists play a role in the Interfaith movement?   [Religion Dispatches]

U.S. engages in talks with Afghan Taliban to discuss future negotiations.  Secretary of State Hillary Clinton describes this action as “not a pleasant business, but a necessary one.” [Washington Post]

Check out this blog on religion and American political culture from Trinity College’s Leonard E. Greenberg Center for the Study of Religion in Public Life. [SpiritualPolitics]