Implications of Employment Division v. Smith

Hard Unit 3: Civil Liberties & Rights Freedom Of Religion

In the landmark case of Employment Division v. Smith (1990), the Supreme Court addressed the issue of religious freedom in relation to drug use. The case involved two Native Americans who were fired from their jobs for using peyote, a drug that was part of their religious practices. They sought unemployment benefits, but the state denied these benefits based on the illegal use of the drug. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled against the plaintiffs, establishing that states could deny unemployment benefits to individuals who engaged in illegal drug use, even if that use was part of a religious ceremony.

Given this context, which of the following statements accurately reflects the implications of the Court's decision regarding the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment?

The ruling indicated that the government cannot restrict religious practices, even if they involve illegal substances.

The decision confirmed that state laws can be applied to religious practices without violating the Free Exercise Clause.

The ruling signaled a strict separation between church and state, preventing government involvement in any religious practices.

The decision allowed for broader interpretations of the Free Exercise Clause while upholding local government authority.

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