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known as the 'establishment clause ; the second as the 'free exercise clause .
In terms of protecting against religious intolerance, the free exercise clause
is considerably more significant. The first amendment as a whole is applicable
to the Governments of each of the States by virtue of the fourteenth amendment
to the U.S. Constitution. Thus, no distinction is or properly can be made
between religion, religious sects and religious associations.
When a law or other governmental action is challenged as a violation of
the establishment clause, U.S. courts will examine it under a three-part
test. First, the law or other governmental action must have a secular
purpose. Second, it must have a primarily secular effect. Third, it must not
involve the Government in an excessive entanglement with religion."
Zimbabwe
"The answer is 'no 1 . Our Constitution has a Declaration of Rights or
Bill of Rights which is justifiable. One can appeal to the Supreme Court if
any of these rights are violated. Section 19 (one of those fundamental
rights) of our Constitution provides for the protection of the Freedom of
Conscience."
83. (b) Does your country afford equal protection both to believers of all
faiths and to non-believers (free thinkers, agnostics and atheists)? If not,
in what way is the treatment different?
Australia
"Section 116 of the Australian Constitution has the effect of affording
protection to believers of all faiths. In this context it should be noted
that the High Court of Australia has given a broad interpretation to the
concept of religion (Church of the New Faith v. Commissioner for Payroll Tax
(1983) 49 ALR 65). This broad interpretation would not cover a lack of any
religious belief (i.e. atheists) but it should be noted that there are no
Australian laws or practices which draw adverse distinctions between believers
and non-believers. On the contrary, there are specific efforts made to
accommodate both believers and non-believers, such as the provision in public
life or the courts for taking either a religious oath or for non-believers, an
affirmation (e.g. in relation to the provision of evidence in court)."
Bolivia
"In this country all persons enjoy equal protection and guarantees
without any distinction. Article б of the Political Constitution of the State
expressly states: 'Every human being has legal personality and capacity, in
accordance with the laws. He enjoys the rights, freedoms and guarantees
recognized by this Constitution, without distinction as to race, sex,
language, religion, political or other opinion, origin, economic or social
condition, or any other. The dignity and freedom of the person are
inviolable. To respect them and protect them is a primary duty of the State'."
Botswana
"There is equal protection to all believers and non-believers."