Freedom of religion is one of the founding principles of the United States, enshrined in the First Amendment:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
However, the same Amendment clearly also defends freedom of speech and the press; recently these core values have come into conflict.
Public figures, such as politicians and actors, have found their religious convictions under scrutiny. The star of Guardians of the Galaxy, Chris Pratt, has frequently referred to his faith in interviews but has complained that this has led to social media attacks.
In 2019, the actor Elliot Page (formerly Ellen Page) criticised Pratt's church as "infamously anti-LGBTQ":
At the time, Pratt responded to the criticisms only in very general terms, saying the criticisms have mischaracterised his faith and his church. Only in 2022 did he clarify that the "infamously anti-LGBTQ" church (Hillsong Church) was never his church - Page's criticism was based on a misunderstanding. Pratt said he had not wanted to "throw the church under the bus" by publicly distancing himself from them.
For its part, Hillsong Church clarified its attitude to the gay community as follows:
So if you are gay, are you welcome at Hillsong Church? Of course! You are welcome to attend, worship with us, and participate as a congregation member with the assurance that you are personally included and accepted within our community. But (this is where it gets vexing), can you take an active leadership role? No.
Sources: PAP, Twitter, Variety, constitution.congree.gov, Hillsong Church website
pt