Free Exercise of Religion
The right to practice religion, or no religion at all, is among the most fundamental of the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Religious liberty requires that the government permit a wide range of religious exercise and expression for people of all faiths, in public and in private. Government officials may not impede such religious exercise unless it would threaten the rights, welfare, and well-being of others or violate the core constitutional ban on governmental promotion of religion.
The ACLU vigorously defends the rights of all Americans to practice their faith. We represent both Christians and adherents of minority faiths, who are often disproportionately affected and treated as second-class citizens. Our free exercise work is also especially relevant for underrepresented populations, such as students and prisoners.
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The Latest
Senators Must Hold Mike Pompeo Accountable For His Religious Prejudice
Blog Post - Speak FreelyMarch 26, 2018The ACLU of Georgia Calls Out Barrow County Sheriff's Department for Rejecting the Applications of Muslims Asking to Attend Its Islamophobic Training
News/Press ReleaseMarch 7, 2018ACLU of Georgia Thanks Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police for Withdrawing its Approval of Islamophobic Training
News/Press ReleaseMarch 6, 2018
ACLU of Georgia Denounces Inflammatory, Hateful, And Potentially Unconstitutional "Training Course" Titled "Islam In America"
News/Press ReleaseMarch 5, 2018EEOC v. North Memorial Health Care - Amicus Brief
Legal DocumentNovember 29, 2017Federal Prison Illegally Bans Christian Head Scarves for Visitors Like Me
Blog Post - Speak FreelyNovember 17, 2017
Fatihah v. Neal
CaseMay 12, 2017Christian Woman Must be Allowed to Wear Religious Headscarf for Driver License Photo, ACLU Lawsuit Says
News/Press ReleaseAugust 30, 2016Federal Prison Illegally Bans Christian Head Scarves for Visitors Like Me
Blog Post - Speak FreelyNovember 17, 2017
Allen v. English - Complaint
Legal DocumentAugust 30, 2016Allen v. English
CaseFebruary 14, 2017Trump Administration Stigmatizes Islam and Undermines Civil Liberties
Blog Post - Washington MarkupAugust 11, 2017