The freedom of religion is, for many, the most vital of all natural rights. The Missouri Constitution includes several provisions impacting this freedom. On the one hand, Missouri’s Bill of Rights guarantees that “all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences; that no human authority can control or interfere with the rights of conscience.” It also ensures that people cannot be forced to attend or provide assistance to “any sect, church, creed, or denomination of religion,” and that public money cannot be used “to aid” any religious organization, school, or person. Over the years, however, courts have interpreted some of these provisions to mean that religious groups and individuals must be put a disadvantage, denied the opportunity to participate equally in government programs that would be available to secular groups or individuals. The Freedom Center will work to ensure that no person or organization can be denied their right to worship, nor can any government put people or organizations at a disadvantage simply because they are religious.
Religious Liberty
