(Last updated 6/3/2025)

DISCLAIMER: These laws DO NOT apply to religious institutions, religious companies with no "public accommodations," or private schools.

 

What is Separation of Church and State?

The Separation of church and state is a principle located in the First Amendment of the U.S Constitution that requires tax-payer funded institutions to be neutral towards religions. It also states that the government cannot establish an official religion and cannot violate the free exercise of religion!

 

Is America a Christian nation?

Nope. The constitution and words of the founding fathers completely disproves this Christian nationalist talking point!

  

Is it legal for my teacher to force me to pray in class or during graduations?

Nope. While students have the legal right to pray if they choose to, staff cannot mandate students pray, or host prayers!

 

Can I sit out the Pledge of Alligence or the Star-Spangled Banner if I choose to?

Yes. You legally do not have to stand for or sing either the Pledge of Alligence or the Star-Spangled Banner, and it is not disrespectful to do so either. If anything, forced-patriotism is both illegal and disrespectful to America's troops!

  

Is it legal for my teacher to discuss religion?

Depends. If your teacher is discussing topics like "how Christianity influenced MLK's beliefs," then it would be legal as Christianity did influence the historical figure's beliefs. However, when a teacher is promoting a religious viewpoint outside of historical context, then it becomes illegal!

 

Is it legal for my school/college to block our Satanic club?

Depends. If other religious clubs are allowed at your school/college, they legally cannot block a Satanic club. However, if no religious group is allowed, then you cannot. We also forbid our members from creating Satanic clubs in public institutions that do not allow religion of any kind!

 

Is it legal for my school/college to teach creationism or intellegent design?

Nope. Teaching intellegent design or creationism has been ruled illegal, as it is nothing more than un-scientific religious doctrine!

 

Is it legal for my school/college to allow religious groups to host events on campus?

Depends. As long as they allow other religious groups to do the same and do not endorse any specific religion!

 

Is it legal for my commanding officer to require me to attend a religious event or pray?

No. The Constitution and military policy forbids commanding offiers from requiring anyone to participate in a religious event!

 

Is it legal for the military to refuse my ability to identify as a Satanist?

No. The military cannot prevent you from identifying as a Satanist. Satanism is a real religion that is protected by anti-discrimination laws. It's also worth noting that you can even identify as a "Jedi" or "Sith Lord" in the military, so you can identify with anything, even fake religions!

 

Is it legal for the military to hire chaplins?

Yup. The military can legally hire chaplins, but cannot promote or denounce any particular religion!

 

Can a judge require I swear on a bible?

Nope. Discuss with your lawyer or the person administering the oath in court if you find yourself in this type of situation. You can give a secular or Satanic affirmation instead to swear-in as a witness, jury member or government official. Note that jurors may be more biased towards those who a Satanic affirmation in a criminal case!

 

Can a private employer discriminate against me for identifying as a Satanist?

Nope. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ruled that companies cannot discriminate against anyone for their religion. Discrimination means creating or allowing a hostile work enviornment, where ridicule, violence, intimidation, are pervasive or involve a quid pro quo, all because of your religion. Religious companies are excempt from these laws, but most companies are not.

 

Can a business discriminate against me for being a Satanist?

Nope. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ruled that companies that provide any place of "public accommodation" cannot discriminate against anyone for their religion. Religious discrimination towards customers can include discounts to specific places of worship,  or requiring customers to pray before receiving service!

 

Is it legal for a government employer to proselytize or force religious practices onto me?

Nope. While government staff can discuss religion and religious topics, they cannot promote their religion or pressure you into joining. Employers also cannot force religious practices onto you!

 

Is it legal for religious icons or statues to be on public property?

Depends. If all religions are allowed to participate, then it is legal!

 

Is it legal to restrict the sale of alcohol or other goods during certain times?

Depends. If the government can provide a rational, secular purpose for the restriction, then it is legal!

 

What is the RFRA?

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act was designed to allow religious businesses to ignore discrimination laws. This law and what it allows/bans varies, so pay attention to changes in how it is interpreted by government institutions, including the Supreme Court!

 

Is the Constitution based on the Ten Commandments?

Nope. There is no historical evidence to support this claim frequently made by Christian nationalists and conservative politicians. In fact, the First Amendment of the Constitution states that the government cannot endorse a specific religion. U.S history has made it clear that the Constitution is not biblical and America is not a Christian nation!