Seven evangelical Christian university presidents in the United States are warning that traditional religious freedoms are under threat.
The presidents have written an open letter to the Governor of South Carolina, Nikki Haley, stating that religious freedom at their instititions is at "serious risk".
The open letter comes in the context of the ongoing transgender bathroom row that has divided the United States.
Earlier this year, guidance issued in the US by the justice and education departments indicated that transgender students were entitled to protection under sex discrimination laws, meaning they could access "activities and sex-segregated facilities consistent with their gender identity".
The Christian university presidents are calling for vigilance in the face of issues such as California's Bill SB 1146, which has been amended and no longer removes the right of faith-based institutions to conduct their mission, but still contains disclosure requirements that some Christians are concerned about.
The presidents, including Dr Bill Jones of Columbia International University, call on Haley to stand against "any attempt by the federal government to infringe on religious freedom".
They urge her to oppose any attempt by the South Carolina General Assembly or state executive agencies "to enact legislation, policies, administrative actions, or executive orders that infringe on the religious freedom of private religious universities."
They also urge her to use platform as Governor to promote religious freedom.
"We believe opposition to attempts to restrict religious freedom is important not just for religious freedom, and not for the pleading of one religion in particular, but for the protection of American democracy that requires a civil society welcoming of religious diversity," they say.
Governor Haley told CIU: "I appreciate hearing from the leaders of our state's Christian universities. South Carolina has a proud tradition of upholding religious freedom. I look forward to working with the universities to make sure we continue to honor that tradition."
