Religious freedom is something that a lot of people talk about. But what are the actual battles being fought for those whose religious freedom is most impeded? Today for Fiery Tuesday we take a look at different ways in which minorities in the United States are fighting for their civil rights, from Pagans to Muslims to American Indians / Native Americans. Take a look!

First up, the International Religious Freedom Report details where in the world religious minorities face the most persecution. At the top of the list are countries like Burma, China, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, which the report labels “countries of particular concern”, or CPCs, claiming they perpetuate numerous breaches of religious freedom. Read more at WorldReligionNews or check out the report in full.

How should you refer to the indigenous peoples of the United States? Native Americans or American Indians? Or perhaps you should identify them by their specific tribe? Indian Country talks with several prominent members of the indigenous community to get their input.

Is being Pagan a political act? Niki Whiting of Patheos argues that even if there's no "political litmus test" for being a Pagan and even if the political range among Pagans is fairly broad the very nature of Pagans' existence as a religious minority necessitates some degree of political consciousness. Read more at Patheos to find out if you agree or disagree.

Pagans aren't the only religious minority in the United States, however. Indeed, as far as high profile cases go we're quite easily surpassed by Muslims, who are at the forefront of most religious freedom battles in the U.S. We should probably take an interest then that the United States Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of Muslim Americans over the issue of dress codes, determining that corporations like Abercrombie & Fitch that require Muslims to forgo religious clothing for a job interview are discriminating against their religion.

That being said, it's not as if there aren't battles being fought right now by Pagans. The Norse Mythology Blog has issued a call to all Heathens in the military to fight for their rights, including such basic things as being allowed time for worship or to keep items or religious significance. Head over to their site to join the fight.

Top image by TheGreenEditor