Freedom of Religion explains why it is more than allowing one to practice their religion. Non-religious beliefs are also protected, as long as they are serious and sincerely held. These beliefs are protected by the constitution and you have the right to be respected in a democratic society. You might also be interested in learning more about the other freedoms provided by the constitution.
Freedom of religion goes beyond the right to worship
Religious freedom encompasses many aspects. It is not just a right to worship. It means freedom to practice any religion and regardless of the government's policy. The Supreme Court has pointed out that freedom of religion encompasses not only individual beliefs, but also religious relationships.
It is a collective right
Freedom of religion is an important individual right but it also has a collective dimension. According to the Supreme Court, freedom of religion includes both the beliefs and practices of individuals as well as relationships between people. In a case involving Trinity Western University, a mandatory covenant was imposed on students that prohibited sexual relations outside marriage. The court held that the law school's refusal to accredit the school based on this covenant engaged s. 2(a) of the Charter, because this covenant limited the community's ability to engage in spiritual development.
It is not permissible to share religious beliefs
The First Amendment protects freedom of expression, but it does not allow the government to force people to believe what they want. The government can't force individuals to adopt a particular belief, or practice, unless it is impossible. A criminal law, for example, cannot force anyone to practice a religion in a manner that violates its dogma.
It is a human right
Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right and should be protected. Religious differences are often a major source for conflict. A greater respect for all religions will prevent conflicts. Discrimination based upon religion can also harm economies and societies. It is impossible for countries to develop fully if they discriminate against minorities. Inclusive societies are more resilient to oppression than those that are exclusively.
It is not a religion
Freedom of religion and belief is an important human freedom that is widely recognized as fundamental. This right encompasses many activities, such as holding beliefs that are consistent with the beliefs of one's and practicing those beliefs. It includes the right not to worship in ways that are against one's religious beliefs. Some examples of such activities are hiring workers from one’s own faith group, refusing service or withholding labour and goods. The freedom to practice your religion includes the right for children to be excluded from certain school programs and lessons.
It is not a Constitutional right
The Founding Fathers recognized freedom of religion among the fundamental rights. However, this right remains controversial. The First Amendment does NOT guarantee that freedom to worship will be always available. It is against the Constitution to give holy books or Bibles while children are in school. This is a violation of children's rights to religious education.
It is not a human fundamental right
Although some policymakers claim otherwise, freedom of religion does not constitute a fundamental human rights. Many conflicts are religiously motivated. Extremism thrives on religious differences. Discrimination based upon religion or belief can also cause economic damage to societies. A nation cannot develop fully if it suppresses minority groups. Society is stronger when all its members are respected.
It is pluralistic.
Pluralism, one of the most fundamental principles of democratic societies, is central to European Court of Human Rights caselaw. Pluralism helps define the scope and effect of fundamental rights and is a key characteristic of democracy.