Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City
Civil Rights and Liberties - POLS 1320
Winter 2022
Lecture Notes Two
Contents: Freedom of Religion and Freedom from Religion
Lecture Notes Two
The First Amendment guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to
petition. It forbids Congress from both promoting one religion over others and also restricting an
individual's religious practices.
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to
change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or
private, to manifest his religion or belief, in worship, teaching practice and observance.
Importantly, this right protects a wide range of non-religious beliefs including atheism, agnosticism,
veganism and pacifism. For a belief to be protected under this article, it must be serious, concern
important aspects of human life or behavior, be sincerely held, and be worthy of respect in a democratic
society.
Are there any restrictions to this right?
Public authorities cannot interfere with your right to hold or change your beliefs, but there are some
situations in which public authorities can interfere with your right to manifest or show your thoughts,
belief and religion. This is only allowed where the authority can show that its action is lawful, necessary
and proportionate in order to protect:
public safety
public order
health or morals, and
the rights and freedoms of other people.
Action is ‘proportionate’ when it is appropriate and no more than necessary to address the problem
concerned.
the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms
of others.
Religious freedom protects people's right to live, speak, and act according to their beliefs peacefully and
publicly. It protects their ability to be themselves at work, in class, and at social activities. Religious
freedom is more than the “freedom to worship” at a synagogue, church, or mosque.
Religious freedom, or freedom of conscience, is critical to the health of a diverse society. It allows
different faiths and beliefs to flourish. Religious freedom protects the rights of all groups and individuals,
including the most vulnerable, whether religious or not.
