In October 2019, the Rights and Religions Forum held its first event, a day-long conference titled “When Rights and Religions Collide,” in New York City. At the conference, attendees learned about the challenges faced by individuals from insular religious communities – such as the inability to choose a spouse, earn a living, socialize with people of their choosing, and live independent lives based on personal values, needs, and beliefs. Scholars, activists, and individuals from religious communities of origin discussed the distinct issues facing individuals from particular faith communities as well as issues that are common to individuals across faith backgrounds. The sessions were moving, thought-provoking, and calls to action.
