Acknowledgment Quote by Antonin Scalia
“With respect to public acknowledgment of religious belief, it is entirely clear from our nation's historical practices that the Establishment Clause permits this disregard of polytheists and believers in unconcerned deities, just as it permits the disregard of devout atheists.”
About This Quote
Source Opinion: Supreme Court oral argument, 2005
The Establishment Clause historically allows the government to ignore both polytheistic and atheist perspectives.
In simple terms: Law treats all belief systems equally by ignoring them.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that neutrality can mean exclusion.
Themes
religion
law
neutrality
constitution
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
legal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- public education
- government statements
- legal analysis
Key Concepts
first amendment
separation of church and state
Questions to Reflect On
- Should neutrality be active inclusion?
- How does this view affect religious minorities?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring beliefs may marginalize minorities.
![“Approving some religious claims while deeming others unworthy of accommodation could be 'perceived as favoring one religion over another,' the very 'risk the [Constitution's] Establishment Clause was designed to preclude.” quote by Ruth Bader Ginsburg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/963/ruth-bader-ginsburg-1906_accommodations_approving-some-religious-claims-while-de_2641268.jpg)
