WHAT DOES FREEDOM OF RELIGION MEAN?

The first amendment states: 

first amendment: an overview

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the right to freedom of religion and freedom of expression from government interference. See U.S. Const. amend. I. Freedom of expression consists of the rights to freedom of speech, press, assembly and to petition the government for a redress of grievances, and the implied rights of association and belief. The Supreme Court interprets the extent of the protection afforded to these rights. The First Amendment has been interpreted by the Court as applying to the entire federal government even though it is only expressly applicable to Congress. Furthermore, the Court has interpreted, the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment as protecting the rights in the First Amendment from interference by state governments. See U.S. Const. amend. XIV.  See here for the source.

Nowhere does it state the people not of that religion must provide payment by eliminati8ng taxes, income taxes, or some of the other perks that towns , states and the Federal government provide for many religions.  Since no everyone is welcome into churches, mosques or temples, I would think they are technically not public buildings and that the rest of us are under no obligation to be forced to pay for private institutions..

Rob Boston has written an article about 5 ways that churches get preferential treatment and benefit from legal loopholes.  1. Tax Policy; 2. Criminal Investigations, 3. Political Lobbying. 4. Employment Law; 5. Ceremonial Uses of Religion   

To read this article in its entirety, click here.

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