The first freedom in the Bill of Rights is the freedom to practice religion without government interference. But it isn’t a popular right nowadays. As cases involving religious freedom issues are regularly hammering the state and federal court system — constantly challenging that right — President Trump has (somewhat) quietly placed two mechanisms in front of the barrage to soften the blow.

Last week, Trump nominated Gov. Sam Brownback to serve in the position of Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, a position within the U.S. State Department. This immediately inspired anger and assertions that the Kansas governor is opposed to LGBTQ rights. This editorial makes note of the fact that while over 20 senior state department positions remain vacant, Trump thought it important to fill this one. This indicates either a soft-spot or an administration priority, depending on your interpretation.