From the Freedom From Religion Foundation:On this date in 1985, Wallace v. Jaffree was decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, forbidding school officials to direct "silent prayer" and meditation for the purpose of prayer in public schools.
“Just as the right to speak and the right to refrain from speaking are complementary components of a broader concept of individual freedom of mind, so also the individual's freedom to choose his own creed is the counterpart of his right to refrain from accepting the creed established by the majority. At one time it was thought that this right merely proscribed the preference of one Christian sect over another, but would not require equal respect for the conscience of the infidel, the atheist, or the adherent of a non-Christian faith such as Mohammedism or Judaism. But when the underlying principle has been examined in the crucible of litigation, the Court has unambiguously concluded that the individual freedom of conscience protected by the First Amendment embraces the right to select any religious faith or none at all.”
-- Justice Stevens for the majority, Wallace v. Jaffree, 472 U.S. 38, June 4, 1985. For more about the Jaffree case, see here. Read about Ishmael Jaffree.
2 comments:
Truly some great words that backs up the right of everyone to have the freedom to express their religion OR non-religion the way they see fit.
Why does it take this supposed great nation so long to wake up and realize that everyone has the right to his/her own beliefs, his/her own sexual preference, and his/her own right to vote?
I shudder to think what could happen if McSame is elected to the white house and he trys to do the same bull-shit that the present dimwit has done by trying to please the right-wing so-called "moral majority"!!
Greg, it is puzzling how the supposedly most advanced and powerful nation on the planet can have such medieval beliefs. Some will say that the god beliefs in the "right god" are why we are the most advanced and powerful nation on the planet. Utter nonsensical reasoning. We are the most advanced and powerful nation because our military leaders are good at strategic military defense and invasion. American's out-thought, over-powered via human force and weaponry. Other civilizations have been great that no longer exist, and one day the great American Empire sadly will fall, like the Roman Empire who many thought was invincible. It crumbled from within. No sky daddy beliefs will save America.
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