Posted by Bob on 7/27/2007, 5:24 am, in reply to "Re: Bible Reading in School" "Congress shall make no law..." This is not a restriction on individuals, but a restriction on government. "...respecting an establishment of religion..." This does not refer to general religious expressions of individuals, but rather, to specific establishments, churches if you will. "...nor prohibiting the free exercise thereof." How clearer could this be? Any government action which prohibits the free exercise of religion is at least suspect. Wherever there is a grey area, this clause gives the benefit to the individual, not to the congress. Notice that nowhere in the US Constitution does the First Amendment have an "exception" clause. Nowhere does it say, "except" in school, except on government property. It is the courts which have muddied the waters. The Constitution is clear. School teachers should be teaching this stuff, not suppressing it.
72.243.26.154
The First Amendment is strikingly clear, and it is some court decisions that have muddied the waters.
Message Thread:
« Back to thread