How much protection does the separation of church and state give us against religious persecution?

Question

Do you think that those laws and others we have are sufficient to protect us against the possibility that a religious extremist would try to impose his/her beliefs after gaining political power? Do you think official religious persecution could ever happen here in the U.S.?

Answer 1

Quotation: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion."

In the 18th century understanding, our Constitution only prevents Congress making any law either creating or denying a religion as the official one (but see next).

It does not prevent the individual states from doing so. Some states are prohibitted from doing so by the terms of their admittance into the Union {Utah, for example} or by their individual Constitutions {many examples}.

However, there may still be some states that have the legal power to select and enforce a state religion. Many states used to do things such as pay ministers a salary -- but only Protestant ministers in Massachusetts when that was done.


Could someone try to impose their beliefs here?

Of course. That it would be illegal or unConstitutional hasn't, in the opinion of some, prevented President Bush from taking certain actions, for example. {That Congress refuses to pass a bill of impeachment rather suggests that those opinions are all hot air ... and that doesn't prevent the attempt.}

You prevent it by staying vigilant.


:-)

Answer 2

Technically, religious persecution could occur in the US, through an ammendment to the constituition. However, as the USA is a democracy with no state control of the media, the chance of this occuring is very very small.

With regards to the impostion of relgious views on the USA, it can be argued that this is occuring at present. The funding for services that provide abortion has been reduced, and many in the 'pro-choice' camp are wary that George Bush is to make nominations to the Supreme Court to pave the way to ban abortion.

However, at present, there is no religous persecution (there is no state sanctioned persecution of Muslims for example), and it is unlikely to happen.

Answer 3

Have you been over to Religion and Spirituality on Y?A? Its a sub category of Society and culture!
The religious persecution is rampant! So, yes, it happens every day, and don't let anyone tell you different!