Alabama Constitution Section 3 - Religious freedom.
Alabama Constitution – Section 3: Religious Freedom
Here is the official text of Section 3 of the Alabama Constitution:
“That no religion shall be established by law; that no preference shall be given by law to any religious sect, society, denomination, or mode of worship; that every person shall be at liberty to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience; and that no one shall be compelled by law to attend any place of worship, to pay any tithes, taxes, or other rate for building or repairing any place of worship, or for the maintenance of any minister or ministry; and that no religious test shall be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under this state; and that the civil rights, privileges, and capacities of any citizen shall not be in any manner affected by his religious principles.”
📌 Plain English Summary:
No official religion: The state government cannot establish a religion.
No favoritism: The law cannot favor one religion over another or any form of worship.
Freedom to worship: Every individual is free to worship God as they choose.
No forced worship or support: No one can be legally forced to attend religious services or pay for religious institutions through taxes.
No religious tests: Religious beliefs cannot be used as a requirement for holding public office.
Equal civil rights: A person’s religious views cannot affect their legal or civic rights.
🏛 Context and Significance:
This section mirrors the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution in protecting religious liberty but is more detailed in specifying rights for Alabama residents. It reflects a strong commitment to the separation of church and state and guarantees that religious freedom is a personal, protected right under Alabama law.
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