New York Drops To Dead Last In 2026 Religious Liberty Rankings
The state protects just 26% of the legal safeguards First Liberty Institute tracks, down from 45th place a year ago.
- New York fell from 45th to 50th place in one year, First Liberty Institute found.
- Arkansas topped the index at 89%, Tennessee second at 85%, both rated excellent.
- New York lacks a conscience law shielding health workers who refuse to perform abortions.
Why it matters: A state that never wrote the exemption into law never intended to grant it.
Religious Liberty in the States 2026 (First Liberty Institute's Center for Religion, Culture and Democracy) ↗ · Jul 19, 20267/19/26 · ✓ Checked✓ Check