E/CN.4/1992/52 page 114 For example, the United States Supreme Court recently struck down a statute enacted by the legislature of the State of Alabama authorizing a one-minute period of silence in all public schools 'for meditation or voluntary prayer1 (Wallace v. Jaffree, 472 United States 38 (1985)). The Court found that the purpose of the statute was to endorse religion and that it did not have any clear secular purpose. The United States Supreme Court also recently invalidated a school district programme in the State of Michigan in which teachers from religious schools taught classes at public expense in religious school buildings (School District of City of Grand Rapids v. Ball, 473 U.S. 373 (1985)). The Court found that such a programme had the 'primary or principal1 effect of advancing religion. Lastly, the Supreme Court held a State of Louisiana statute that required instruction in the theory of 'creation science' whenever the theory of evolution was taught violative of the establishment clause (Edwards v. Aguillard, 482 U.S. 578 (1987)). The Court found that the act impermissibly endorsed religion by advancing the religious belief that a supranatural being created mankind. As the Court explained, the establishment clause not only prevents the Government from endorsing a religion or religion over non-religion, it also encourages religious tolerance by persons in the United States because it does not allow a particular religion or religion itself to enjoy a superior status." Zimbabwe "The rights, of both citizens, residents and non-residents, to practise their faith is provided for and guaranteed by our justiciable Bill of Rights." 85. (d) Does your country apply the principle of reciprocity as regards the practice of religion by foreigners? Australia "The practice of religion by foreigners in Australia is not restricted in any way. Such practice is protected by s. 116 of the Constitution." Bolivia "As regards freedom of conscience and religious practices, foreigners enjoy the same rights as Bolivian citizens." Botswana "The question of reciprocity does not arise because the freedom of worship is granted to every person without regard to that person's nationality or residence."

Select target paragraph3