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 Trump campaign told Newsweek that Harris and the Democratic Party had abandoned the Mormon community, however, and attacked the freedom of religion. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

In fact, only 34% say that all rights enshrined within the First Amendment—the freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition—are equally essential, down from 41% last year. —Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 17 Oct. 2024

While some critics said, this violates the First Amendment right to freedom of religion for students and teachers, forcing classrooms to engage in Christian instruction. —Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 22 Nov. 2024

The petition alleges that the seven bills violate LGBTQ+ Texans' rights to privacy, health, education, freedom of religion and belief, freedom of expression, and equal treatment. —Lily Kepner, Austin American-Statesman, 23 Jan. 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.