Freedom from Attending Religious Instruction (article 28)
Introduction
The right to freedom from attending religious instruction is a fundamental human right that is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Article 28 of the UDHR states that “No one shall be subjected to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice.” This right is also protected by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which has been ratified by over 160 countries.
The right to freedom from attending religious instruction is important because it protects individuals from being forced to participate in religious activities that they do not believe in. It also allows individuals to choose their own religion or belief, without fear of persecution or discrimination.
The right to freedom from attending religious instruction in the UDHR
Article 28 of the UDHR states that “No one shall be subjected to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice.” This means that individuals have the right to choose their own religion or belief, and they cannot be forced to participate in religious activities that they do not believe in.
The right to freedom from attending religious instruction is also protected by the ICCPR, which has been ratified by over 160 countries. Article 18 of the ICCPR states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”
The right to freedom from attending religious instruction in the United States
The right to freedom from attending religious instruction is also protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This means that the government cannot establish a state religion, and it cannot interfere with the free exercise of religion.
The right to freedom from attending religious instruction has been interpreted by the Supreme Court of the United States to mean that public schools cannot require students to participate in religious activities. In the case of Lee v. Weisman (1992), the Court ruled that public schools cannot have clergy lead prayers at graduation ceremonies. In the case of Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe (2000), the Court ruled that public schools cannot have students lead prayers at football games.
The right to freedom from attending religious instruction in other countries
The right to freedom from attending religious instruction is also protected by the laws of many other countries. For example, in Canada, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the right to freedom of conscience and religion, which includes the right to freedom from religious instruction. In Australia, the Constitution protects the right to freedom of religion, which includes the right to freedom from religious instruction.
Conclusion
The right to freedom from attending religious instruction is a fundamental human right that is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the laws of many countries. This right is important because it protects individuals from being forced to participate in religious activities that they do not believe in. It also allows individuals to choose their own religion or belief, without fear of persecution or discrimination.
Frequently asked questions
What is the right to freedom from attending religious instruction?
The right to freedom from attending religious instruction is the right to not be forced to participate in religious activities that you do not believe in. This right is protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the laws of many countries.
Why is the right to freedom from attending religious instruction important?
The right to freedom from attending religious instruction is important because it protects individuals from being forced to participate in religious activities that they do not believe in. It also allows individuals to choose their own religion or belief, without fear of persecution or discrimination.
What are some examples of countries that protect the right to freedom from attending religious instruction?
Some examples of countries that protect the right to freedom from attending religious instruction include the United States, Canada, and Australia.
What are some examples of cases where the right to freedom from attending religious instruction has been upheld in court?
Some examples of cases where the right to freedom from attending religious instruction has been upheld in court include the cases of Lee v. Weisman (1992) and Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe (2000).
MCQs
- The right to freedom from attending religious instruction is protected by:
(a) The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(b) The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
(c) The laws of many countries