Basics of Religious Rights

1 st Amendment Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

14 th Amendment Due Process Clause No state shall deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law. This clause protects these first amendment freedoms from the arbitrary acts of States of their local government.

Two Guarantees of Religious Freedom 1 st and 14 th Amendment set out two guarantees: Establishment of Religion “ Establishment Clause” Free Exercise of Religion “Free Exercise Clause”

Establishment Clause A wall of separation between church and state The exact determination of the Establishment Clause is unknown. Court rulings about the separation have varied throughout history

Free Exercise Clause This clause guarantees to each person the right to believe whatever he or she chooses to believe in matters of religion No law and no other action of any government can violate that absolute constitutional right. The Free Exercise Clause does not give not give anyone the right to violate criminal laws, offend public morals, or otherwise threaten the safety of the community.