Know the Law

What is the First 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.” – US Constitution

Religious Freedom

Many of USA’s early European settlers were fleeing persecution for their religious beliefs, and laws compelling them to join government-favored churches. The First Amendment guarantees We the People have the right to practice (or not practice) any religion, and that the government cannot establish a state religion.

Religious freedom has been protected in the courts ever since our founding. No one can overturn the first amendment without passing a new amendment. That new, proposed amendment must be passed by two-thirds of both houses of Congress, then ratified by three-fourths of the states.

Learn more at: https://www.history.com/articles/freedom-of-religion

More First Amendment links: lwvsonoma.org/FreedomofSpeech

Why does this Matter?

Those who live under threat of religious persecution cannot live a free life.

Link to more civics topics: lwvsonoma.org/CivicsMenu