The Bill of Rights is an invaluable component to the American way of life. Reevaluated in order to protect individual rights neglected in the Constitution, it is composed of the first ten amendments, the first of which establishes religious freedom. The first amendment states then, that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” This means that American citizens hold the right to practice any religious belief and rituals. In addition, the first amendment not only prohibits the United States government from instituting its official religion, but also bans government actions that unfairly favor a religion over another. The United States Supreme Court has dealt with many cases
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United States in 1878, The Supreme Court has been contradictory in its decisions, especially those concerning the free exercise portion of the first amendment. According to www.law.cornell.edu, “The Free Exercise Clause not only protects religious belief and expression; it also seems to allow for violation of laws, as long as that violation is made for religious reasons.” In Reynolds v. United States, the Court reasoned that no one can excuse him or herself from the law because of their religion—the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. However, there is one current and controversial issue that must be declared legal once and for …show more content…
This grants, according to Washington Post, a “turning point. A majority of Americans now live in states where gay couples can wed.” Numerous newspapers and websites announced that gay and lesbian couples were getting married within hours of the decision. Nevertheless, the fight is not over. Some opponents express that legalization of same-sex marriage is a decision that should be left to the discretion of the people. However, one situation in California may force one to reassess his thoughts.
Unlike representative democracy, in which citizens elect representatives who make laws, direct, or pure democracy is a political system in which the people directly vote on public policy. Proposition 8 was an initiative and an amendment to California’s constitution that “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." California’s Supreme Court invalidated that decision on the basis that by the Constitution, gay couples are entitled to marry. Fifty years ago, every state penalized same-sex
United States in 1878, The Supreme Court has been contradictory in its decisions, especially those concerning the free exercise portion of the first amendment. According to www.law.cornell.edu, “The Free Exercise Clause not only protects religious belief and expression; it also seems to allow for violation of laws, as long as that violation is made for religious reasons.” In Reynolds v. United States, the Court reasoned that no one can excuse him or herself from the law because of their religion—the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. However, there is one current and controversial issue that must be declared legal once and for …show more content…
This grants, according to Washington Post, a “turning point. A majority of Americans now live in states where gay couples can wed.” Numerous newspapers and websites announced that gay and lesbian couples were getting married within hours of the decision. Nevertheless, the fight is not over. Some opponents express that legalization of same-sex marriage is a decision that should be left to the discretion of the people. However, one situation in California may force one to reassess his thoughts.
Unlike representative democracy, in which citizens elect representatives who make laws, direct, or pure democracy is a political system in which the people directly vote on public policy. Proposition 8 was an initiative and an amendment to California’s constitution that “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." California’s Supreme Court invalidated that decision on the basis that by the Constitution, gay couples are entitled to marry. Fifty years ago, every state penalized same-sex