1. Freedom of Religion Chapter 40

2. Freedom of Religion 1 st Amendment “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”

3. Freedom of Religion Establishment clause: –Forbids the government from: Setting up churches Passing laws aiding any and all religions Favoring one religion over another Barring or requiring citizen attendance at church –Three Part Test Must have a secular purpose May neither advance nor inhibit religion Not foster an excessive entanglement with religion

4. Freedom of Religion Establishment clause: –Examples: Christmas decorations Creationism vs. Evolution Engle v. Vitale (1962) Texas Football Posting of the 10 Commandments –Problem 40.1

5. Freedom of Religion

6. Free Exercise Clause: –Protects the right of individuals to worship as they choose –Religious belief is protected but actions based on those beliefs may be restricted

7. Freedom of Religion

8. Free Exercise Clause: –Examples: Denying medical treatment Snake handling in religious ceremonies Star of David and gangs Giving exams in school on religious holidays “No hats in school” and the yarmulke –Problem 40.2

9. Freedom of Religion Equal Access Law Can you meet? You are a student at Bishop Miege and you want to have a Buddhist Society meet after school. You are a student at a public school and you want to have a bible study club. The school already has a French club. You are a student at a public school with limited open forum; you wish to hold your bible club meetings at the school on Sundays. You are a student at a school with limited open forum and you invite your youth pastor to lead prayers at your bible study club before school.