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

The First Amendment, guaranteeing free speech and freedom of religion, might disappear. —Thomas D. Elias, Orange County Register, 21 Mar. 2025

There, the vice president accused the U.K. and Europe of abandoning democratic principles, including freedom of speech and freedom of religion. —Naomi Lim, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025

The lawsuit claimed that churches have the right to serve as a homeless shelter under the First Amendment’s freedom of religion. —Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2025

American Jews weren’t spared, in a country that guarantees freedom of religion. —Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 30 Jan. 2025

Rhymes for freedom of religion

• irreligion
• pigeon

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.