Religious Liberty

The ACLU strives to safeguard the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious liberty by ensuring that laws and governmental practices neither promote religion nor interfere with its free exercise.

Religious liberty

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that “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.” As enshrined in the First Amendment, religious freedom includes two complementary protections: the right to religious belief and expression and a guarantee that the government neither prefers religion over non-religion nor favors particular faiths over others. These dual protections work hand in hand, allowing religious liberty to thrive and safeguarding both religion and government from the undue influences of the other.

 

From our foundational work on behalf of conscientious objectors to our historic defense of John T. Scopes during the infamous “Scopes Monkey Trial” of 1925, the ACLU has been the national leader in the struggle for religious freedom. Building on that near-century of work, the ACLU employs an integrated strategy of litigation, public education, and advocacy to protect religious liberty.

The Latest

Know Your Rights
Interfaith vigil

Know Your Rights: Religious Freedom

Learn more here about your right to express your religion and belief and be protected from discrimination.
News & Commentary
Banner that reads, "Back-to-school civil liberties checklist." KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Add Civil Liberties Knowhow to Your Back-to-School Checklist  

In addition to those pencils and notebooks, keep a handy stock of important information about students’ rights so everyone can learn in a welcoming environment.
News & Commentary
People at a house party

Bring Your Community Together: Host a House Party

A house party can be a great way to share information, motivate your peers, and create long lasting change.
News & Commentary
A protestor holds a sign reading "Keep Your Religion Out of My Government" during a rally at Memorial Park in Danville, Pennsylvania.

The Supreme Court Benches the Separation of Church and State

The court has adopted an approach that would see the lines between church and state hopelessly blurred, if not eliminated altogether.