The ACLU Freedom Files: Religious Freedom

The right of every American to practice his or her own religion, or no religion at all, is among the most fundamental of freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. But while the United States is home to more than 1,500 different faiths and some 360,000 houses of worship, religious freedom faces threats on many fronts.

This episode of The ACLU Freedom Files includes the story of Abbey Moler, a high school valedictorian who was asked to include some words of wisdom in her yearbook and selected a Bible verse. When the yearbook was published, her choice was omitted, and she successfully took on the school district.

You'll go to the front lines of one of the most heated civil-liberties controversies in recent history and hear from parents and teachers who were part of a lawsuit in Dover, Pa., to keep intelligent design out of the classroom.

You'll learn about Billy Warsoldier, a Native American who was in prison for a nonviolent offense and was punished severely for refusing to cut his hair, which would have violated his religious tradition. He was denied visitation rights and kept in jail beyond his original sentence for practicing his faith, but fought the order and won.

Also featured is the harrowing story of Joann Bell, a devout Christian whose home was firebombed because she objected to her son's school pressuring him to attend a prayer meeting.

This program is a crucial reminder of the founders' intent regarding religion—that it be a matter for individuals, not the government.

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Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Religious Freedom
• Civil rights
• ACLU
• ACLU of Texas
• Human Rights
• Government
• Freedom of Religion
• Freedom Of Religion