Advocacy Quote by Abe Fortas
“Government...may not be hostile to any religion or to the advocacy of no-religion; and it may not aid, foster, or promote one religion or religious theory against another... The First Amendment mandates governmental neutrality...”
About This Quote
Source Legal: US Supreme Court opinion, 1961
The government must stay neutral, not favoring or opposing any religion or belief system.
In simple terms: Government must be neutral toward all religions.
Ensure policies treat all faiths equally.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- public schools
- legislation drafting
- interfaith dialogues
- policy making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a secular state respect diverse beliefs?
- What challenges arise when neutrality is perceived as indifference?
Neutrality can be hard to maintain in practice, especially with cultural pressures.