The First Amendment: Freedom of Religion “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”
The Free Exercise Clause Federal law cannot prevent free exercise of religion Selective incorporation has applied this to states (and local) governments No limit on belief Actions may be limited –Violation of laws applying to everyone –Threat to public health or safety
The Establishment Clause Prohibits setting up of a state church “Wall of Separation” Selective incorporation has applied this to state (and local) governments When is government involvement OK? –If it has a secular purpose –If it neither helps or hurts religion –If it doesn’t “entangle” the gov’t with religion