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Legal Foundations of Church-State Separation

American courts have recognized the importance of church-state separation. In a body of law that has evolved over more than two centuries, our courts have interpreted the First Amendment to ban compelled support for religion while protecting the right to worship as every American sees fit. Americans United examines the legal underpinnings of church-state separation and court interpretations of this principle.

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Latest News

  • Please Scale This Summit! Join Us Next Month In D.C.

    Even for those of us who know how vital church-state separation is, it isn’t always easy to find the words to express why, or to make the case to others about why they should care. The National Advocacy Summit will help.
    read more »
    Blog Post
  • Missouri Lawmaker Wants To Force Church-State Plaintiffs To Use Their Real Names

    People who agree to be plaintiffs in church-state lawsuits know they are taking a risk, and that’s why they sometimes file lawsuits anonymously. But if a Missouri legislator has his way, that will no longer be possible in the Show Me State.
    read more »
    Church & State Article
  • Missouri Bill Would Endanger Plaintiffs In Church-State Cases

    A Missouri state legislator wants to make it illegal for state residents to file church-state lawsuits anonymously. House Bill 728, introduced by Rep. Hardy Billington, would require that adult plaintiffs use their real names in civil actions concerning separation of church and state. The bill is clearly designed to discourage people from filing such lawsuits by making them targets for harassment and threats.
    read more »
    Blog Post
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for Separation of Church and State
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