Timelines
Freedom of Religion

  • 1791
    … First Amendment Is Ratified

  • 1802
    … Jefferson Writes Of Church-State Separation

  • 1875
    … Church-State Amendment Proposed

  • 1878
    … Court Says Religious Conduct May Be Restricted

  • 1925
    … Court: Parents Can Choose Children's School

  • 1930
    … Public Funds May Benefit Children At Private Schools

  • 1940
    … Ban On Religious Solicitation Struck Down
    … Flag Salute Requirement Is Upheld

  • 1943
    … Court: Required Flag Salute Violates First Amendment

  • 1947
    … State May Cover Transportation To Parochial Schools

  • 1948
    … Religious Instruction In Public Schools Prohibited

  • 1952
    … Public Schools May Accommodate Religious Instruction

  • 1962
    … Voluntary School Prayer Is Unconstitutional

  • 1963
    … Prayer Rejected; Secular Study of Religion Allowed
    … Worker May Keep Sabbath And Jobless Benefits

  • 1968
    … State May Not Prohibit Lessons In Evolution

  • 1970
    … Houses Of Worship May Be Tax-Exempt

  • 1971
    … State May Not Aid Non-Public Schools

  • 1972
    … Compulsory School Attendance Law Overturned

  • 1973
    … Aid To Non-Public Schools, Students Not Allowed

  • 1980
    … Posting Of Ten Commandments Unconstitutional

  • 1983
    … Legislative Sessions May Open With Prayer

  • 1984
    … Congress Passes Equal Access Act
    … City's Nativity Scene Is Constitutional

  • 1985
    … Court: No Federal Funds For Parochial School's Special Needs Students
    … 'Moment Of Silence' Law Ruled Unconstitutional

  • 1987
    … 'Creation Science' Requirement Struck Down

  • 1988
    … Federal Grants May Aid Religious Groups For Secular Purpose

  • 1989
    … Court Distinguishes Between Holiday Displays

  • 1990
    … Free Exercise Clause Protects Beliefs, Not Conduct
    … Court Upholds Equal Access Act

  • 1992
    … Prayers At Graduation Violate Establishment Clause

  • 1993
    … Religious Freedom Restoration Act Passed
    … Deaf Parochial School Student Entitled To Interpreter

  • 1995
    … Guidelines Issued On Religious Expression In Schools
    … College Must Finance Christian Student Newspaper

  • 1997
    … Tutoring Ban On Public School Teachers Lifted
    … Religious Freedom Restoration Act Is Voided
    … Guidelines Issued On Religious Expression In Workplace

  • 2000
    … Prayers Before Football Games Unconstitutional

  • 2002
    … Use Of Vouchers For Religious Schools Upheld

  • 2004
    … State May Deny Financial Aid For Devotional Study

  • 2005
    … Court Divided On Ten Commandments Cases