Definition

1. Noun:
   • A civil right guaranteeing the free exercise of religious beliefs: "freedom of religion" is a fundamental right that protects an individual's liberty to practice, change, or abstain from religion without government interference or persecution.

Usage

• This term is used in legal, political, and social contexts to discuss a foundational human and civil right.
• It is often cited in debates about the separation of church and state, religious tolerance, and individual liberties.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The country's constitution enshrines freedom of religion for all its citizens.
  • Many early settlers came to America seeking freedom of religion.

Advanced Usage

• "To violate freedom of religion": to infringe upon or deny this right.
  • The new law was criticized for potentially violating freedom of religion.
• "Championing freedom of religion": actively supporting and defending this right.
  • The organization is dedicated to championing freedom of religion worldwide.

Variants and Related Words

• Religious freedom (n): A synonymous phrase for freedom of religion.
  • International treaties often protect religious freedom.
• Freedom of worship (n): A closely related concept, sometimes used more narrowly to refer specifically to the act of religious practice.
  • The decree guaranteed freedom of worship for all faiths.

Synonyms

• Liberty of conscience: Freedom to follow one's own beliefs in matters of religion.
• Free exercise of religion: The legal principle, often used in constitutional law, that individuals are free to practice their religion.

Related Phrases

• Separation of church and state: A doctrine advocating for a clear division between religious institutions and government, often seen as a means to protect freedom of religion.
  • The principle of separation of church and state is crucial for maintaining freedom of religion.
• Establishment Clause: A specific clause in the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment that prohibits the government from establishing an official religion, closely tied to freedom of religion.
  • The Establishment Clause works in tandem with the Free Exercise Clause to ensure freedom of religion.

Noun

1. a civil right guaranteed by the First Amendment to the US Constitution