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Religious Liberty

Updated 11.19.09  The ACLU believes that the right of every American to practice his or her own religion, or no religion at all, is one of  the most fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The Constitution’s framers understood that religious liberty can flourish only if the government leaves religion alone.

'Tis the season Concerned about holiday displays or concerts? Read the ACLU's guides to reviewing their constitutionality.

What’s happening in Ohio

ACLU Legal Actions

ACLU v. DeWeese
James DeWeese, a common pleas court judge in Mansfield, displays a poster in his courtroom contrasting the Ten Commandments, described as “Moral Absolutes,” with “Moral Relatives: Humanist Precepts.”  The ACLU of Ohio sued and prevailed in federal court, asserting that the poster was an unconstitutional endorsement of religion. DeWeese has appealed the decision.  Read the legal docket.

Read the most recent press release and link to legal documents here.


Get Active!

Host a Living Room Liberties party. Invite friends, neighbors, and co-workers to your home for refreshments and viewing of the 30-minute ACLU Freedom Files episode on religious liberty. We can help with the planning; just send us an email.

Write a letter to the editor about the importance of a distinct church and state.

Join or start a discussion group in your church, synagogue or spiritual institution.  Request an ACLU speaker here.

Talk with someone whose religious beliefs are different from your own.

Participate in your local school board and city council meetings. Make sure your schools teach science rather than theology, and that your local government respects religious diversity.


Resources

Read about the national ACLU's work to preserve religious freedom.

Nativity Scenes and Holiday Displays guide

School Holiday Concert guide

Guide to School Holiday Programs

Halloween: Is It A Religious Holiday?

Students! Know Your Rights

Frequently Asked Questions About Intelligent Design

The Scopes Monkey Trial: A Look Back 85 Years Later

Americans United for the Separation of Church and State

National Center For Science Education

Read religious liberty press releases and articles in our News Center.