Religious Exemption? The "Free Exercise" Clause .
of the United States Constitution.
The Free Exercise Clause of the Constitution of the United States of America states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." The clause has come to mean, in everyday terms, that one may believe anything one wants, without worry that the government will take this right away.
There are many acts that belong to certain religious organizations that, despite the Free Exercise Clause, have been deemed illegal. Among these are drug use, polygamy, and homicide in the name of religion. The subject in question is whether or not the federal government can make a law forcing parents to seek medical care when their child may be severely ill, without infringing on the parents" first amendment rights.
Religious acts and rituals can be limited by laws that are passed for compelling government reasons, but a law passed that is aimed at a particular religion or religions has been generally considered unconstitutional. When religious acts break the law, it is rather difficult to enforce those laws. The very same laws that were designed to protect the citizens, are put into question, for fear that if they are enforced, someone's religious rights are being infringed upon.
Some of the worst atrocities ever committed were done in the name of religion/race factors. The Holocaust, and the continuing Holy Wars in the Middle East to name a few. During the 19th century, many established religious groups favored the preservation of slavery. During the first two thirds of the 20th century, many churches and other organizations actively promoted hatred and oppression against Afro-Americans in the form of racial segregation. By the 1970's there was strong support throughout the US for an end to racial discrimination. Christian Identity denominations and the KKK racist organizations feel that they have a God-given right to discriminate on the basis of race.