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.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

81%

Eighty-one percent of Americans say the law should not allow companies or other institutions to use religious beliefs to decide whether to offer a service to some people and not others.

3,500

3,500 groups make up the American religious landscape.

All Americans

The ACLU vigorously defends the rights of all Americans, from Christians to members of minority faiths, to practice their religion.

The Latest

Press Release
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ACLU of North Dakota Opposes School Chaplain Bill

Allowing chaplains’ offices in school will open our students to religious coercion and runs counter to our Constitutional principles. We urge lawmakers to reject this bill and seek better ways to serve public school students that do not involve unconstitutional, school-sponsored religion.
Issue Areas: Religious Liberty
News & Commentary
Public Schools Aren't Sunday Schools: Stop House Bill 1145

Public Schools are Not Sunday Schools

North Dakota Lawmakers Must Protect Religious Liberty and Strike Down House Bill 1145
Press Release
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Bill to Require Public Schools to Post Ten Commandments is Unnecessary, Unconstitutional

America is not a theocracy and North Dakota’s public schools shouldn’t be used to religiously indoctrinate or convert students. House Bill 1145 is unconstitutional and an affront to the American ideals of religious liberty.
Issue Areas: Religious Liberty
News & Commentary
School lockers

Public School Dollars Do Not Belong in Private Schools

‘School Choice’ Models Have Serious Consequences for Students, Civil Rights, Equality, and Religious Liberty.