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Religious Liberty In The Military: The First Amendment Under "Friendly Fire", Kenneth Lasson
Religious Liberty In The Military: The First Amendment Under "Friendly Fire", Kenneth Lasson
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Though freedom of religion remains one of our most cherished values, it is still among the most controversial of constitutional rights. This is especially true in the context of military service. Even those who purposefully enlist in the armed forces, implicitly giving up certain liberties they freely enjoyed as civilians, would not relinquish their freedom of conscience. Yet the right to practice their religious beliefs, unfettered by arbitrary governmental restrictions, is regularly challenged.
Fortunately, however, most western cultures regard religious liberty as so fundamental that their military establishments routinely develop regulations to accommodate specific religious practices.
This principle was of …
Free Exercise In The Free State: Maryland's Role In Religious Liberty And The First Amendment, Kenneth Lasson
Free Exercise In The Free State: Maryland's Role In Religious Liberty And The First Amendment, Kenneth Lasson
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Maryland arguably holds the distinction of being the state whose early history most directly ensured, and whose citizenry was most directly affected by, the First Amendment's protection of religious freedom. Because of its relatively diverse religious population, Maryland stood out as both a champion of tolerance and a hotbed of discrimination for most of its colonial experience. Similarities have been pointed out between the first provincial government in St. Mary's, Maryland, and the American plan under the Constitution, particularly with respect to religious liberty.
This article offers a brief overview of the religious history of Maryland, focuses on important state …