Rick Santorum: What does the First Amendment really protect?

[Redleg]

It's both. Believe what you want, but cannot force it on the people. I have nothing against religious congressmen, I have something against religious congressmen who don't respect that official state business should not be religious business.

To put the thread back on track to the initial intent.


You are incorrect in this - the amendment states very clearly what its intent is - and it has nothing to do with Freedom From that is an interpation that is incorrect.

The actual wording of the amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Now it explictly states no law respection an establishment of religion those words had a very specific meaning to the founding fathers. And it did not mean that religious people could not be in the government, it did not mean religion could not be mentioned in the government - what it means is very clear that the government will not establish a state religion.

Nor will congress make any law that prevents an individual from practicing a religion.