Freedom of Religion

Abstract

Parents have a fundamental right to raise their children (Seldin, 2013). Parents have a right to provide children with religious upbringing, but they cannot exploit children through religious practice (Pierce v. Society of the Sisters, 1925; Prince v. Massachusetts, 1944). Though the government is obligated to act in the best interest of children, the court cannot substitute its judgments for parents’ judgments. The government may intervene into families when children’s health or safety is at risk.