In modern day constitutional discussion, there is typically no argument about whether the Constitution protects individuals’ freedom to engage in the practice of religion regardless of which religion it is.  However, the discussion typically focuses on the First Amendment to the Constitution and not the original Articles.  Did the framers discuss religion, and if so, Read More

The Constitution of the United States of America is fairly straightforward regarding freedom of religion and religious tests. This is especially true when you consider the fact that it was written over 200 years ago by men who had no idea what life in the USA would be like in 2016. Yet their words and Read More

There are few people who would deny that the first Europeans to travel to the land that would become the United States of America were fiercely religious. They believed so strongly that their way of life was the correct one that they fled persecution in their homelands to find ground where they could plant roots Read More

The United States has a complicated history when it comes to religion, despite its founders having strong ties to the religions of their forefathers.  When the first settlers came to what is now known as New England, they did so in part in an attempt to be free from religious persecution.  The Puritans, Huguenots, Mennonites, Read More

Ever since the Supreme Court’s decision came down in favor of gay marriage (which can now be included fully in the more traditional word ‘marriage’), the news has been full of stories of individuals practicing their religion in very public ways.  While attaching justification phrases similar to “protecting religion,” “exercising a right,” or “defending against Read More

The difference between a religious accommodation in the workplace, and the principles of religious freedom as protected by the U.S. Constitution are often lost on many individuals who confuse the two ideas.  It is important to be able to distinguish between these two principles before entering into any dialogue in the workplace. Religious Accommodations in Read More

Recently, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a three-judge panel decision after reviewing the case en banc.  The case overturned a ban on a very controversial film that had been released on YouTube.  Without going into specifics of the film, other than to say that those who have viewed it have stated that it Read More

In light of recent tragedies across the nation that involve potential terrorist activity, it is mindful to remember that such actions occur regardless of whether a country’s government is capitalist, monarchic or dictatorial.  Jealousy and misguided anger are sometimes unfortunate side effects of the freedoms that our country provides its inhabitants.  What is lamentable, however, Read More

Much has happened since two small Colorado bakeries declined requests to make cakes and ended up facing an investigation by the State.  Both owners made the same decision for the same reason as they denied patrons a cake based on their personal beliefs.  What many people may not realize is that the very big difference Read More

In the beginning, the answer was simple; there was almost no situation in which someone else’s actions were intended to be allowed to impede upon another citizen’s unalienable rights.  That guarantee came with a caveat, however, as the small print to this rule included exceptions for minorities, women and non-landholders.  In fact, when the Constitution Read More