freedom of religion

noun phrase

: the right to choose what religion to follow and to worship without interference

Examples of freedom of religion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This is the United States, where freedom of religion also includes freedom from religion. Patricia Lopez, The Mercury News, 24 July 2024 Nothing wrong with Christianity; just shouldn’t be running a nation birthed from freedom of religion. Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 21 July 2024 The underlying basis of the freedom of religion clause is the right to practice one’s religion free from persecution. Washington Post, 27 June 2024 The Soviets did not believe in freedom of religion. Linda Chase, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for freedom of religion 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'freedom of religion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near freedom of religion

Cite this Entry

“Freedom of religion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freedom%20of%20religion. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.

Legal Definition

freedom of religion

freedom of re·​li·​gion
: the right especially as guaranteed under the free exercise clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to practice one's religion or exercise one's beliefs without intervention by the government and to be free of the exercise of authority by a church through the government see also free exercise clause

Note: The freedom of religion as guaranteed by the First Amendment can be overcome by a showing by the government of a compelling state interest. On this basis, practices used in some religions, such as bigamy, are prohibited despite the First Amendment guarantee.

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