Television personality Dr. Phil McGraw was among several cultural and political figures appointed to President Donald Trump’s White House Religious Liberty Commission, where he spoke about what he described as growing pressure on Americans who openly practice their Christian faith. The commission released a draft report last month outlining what its members viewed as significant […]

Television personality Dr. Phil McGraw was among several cultural and political figures appointed to President Donald Trump’s White House Religious Liberty Commission, where he spoke about what he described as growing pressure on Americans who openly practice their Christian faith.

The commission released a draft report last month outlining what its members viewed as significant threats to religious liberty. The report also included a series of recommendations for the Trump administration to consider as it develops policies related to religious expression and constitutional protections.

During remarks in the Oval Office, Dr. Phil said he was particularly struck by the number of people who testified that their religious beliefs had created problems for them in their professional lives.

“What stuck out for me is how many Americans showed up saying that they were persecuted in health care, military, education — different walks of life — for living their faith and standing up for their faith,” Dr. Phil said, according to NewsNation.

He argued that religious liberty involves more than the right to attend a particular church or choose a place of worship.

“It’s not just the liberty to choose which house of worship they want, it’s actually getting into their daily life, and they’re being persecuted in their jobs,” he said.

Dr. Phil is a Christian and has spoken more openly about his religious beliefs in recent years. His role on the commission reflects his increasing involvement in public discussions about faith, culture and politics.

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Texas Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who chairs the White House Religious Liberty Commission, also addressed the role of religion in public life. Patrick criticized the way the phrase “separation of church and state” is sometimes used, arguing that it has been interpreted too broadly by those who want to exclude religious belief from government and civic institutions.

“Again, the separation of church and state is not in the Constitution,” Patrick said.

“And from this day forward, that phrase should have no power over people of all faiths ever again in America.”

The commission’s draft report included several proposals aimed at strengthening legal protections for religious expression. One recommendation called on the Justice Department to issue guidance “clarifying the proper understanding of the Establishment Clause and separation of church and state.”

The Establishment Clause, found in the First Amendment, prohibits the government from establishing an official religion. Disputes over its meaning often involve questions about prayer, religious displays, public schools, and the role of faith in government institutions.

The commission also recommended requiring public officials to provide written explanations when they determine that someone under their supervision has engaged in improper religious expression. Under the proposal, officials would need to identify the specific constitutional or legal provision that was allegedly violated.

Supporters of the recommendation say such a requirement could prevent vague or arbitrary restrictions on religious activity. It would also create a written record that could be reviewed if the decision were later challenged.

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Other recommendations included distributing “Know Your Rights” posters about religious freedom in workplaces and confirming more judges who are willing to hear and carefully consider religious liberty cases.

The report also proposed creating a “Presidential Medal of Religious Liberty” and “First Freedom Hero Awards.” According to the commission, the awards would recognize Americans who defend religious freedom and help protect the constitutional rights of others.

The commission said such recognition would honor individuals who are willing to speak publicly, pursue legal challenges, or accept professional and personal risks in defense of religious liberty.

The Western Journal