trinity lutheran church columbia comer director missouri department natural resources argued april decided june trinity lutheran church child learning center missouri preschool daycare center originally established nonprofit organization center later merged trinity lutheran church operates auspices church property among facilities center playground coarse pea gravel surface beneath much play equipment center sought replace large portion pea gravel rubber surface participating missouri scrap tire program program run state department natural resources offers reimbursement grants qualifying nonprofit organizations install playground surfaces made recycled tires department strict express policy denying grants applicant owned controlled church sect religious entity pursuant policy department denied center application letter rejecting application department explained article section missouri constitution department provide financial assistance directly church department ultimately awarded grants part program although center ranked fifth applicants receive grant church trinity lutheran sued federal district alleging department failure approve application violated free exercise clause first amendment district dismissed suit free exercise clause stated prohibits government outlawing restricting exercise religious practice generally prohibit withholding affirmative benefit account religion district likened case locke davey upheld free exercise challenge state decision fund degrees devotional theology part scholarship program district held free exercise clause require state make funds available scrap tire program trinity lutheran divided panel eighth circuit affirmed fact state award scrap tire grant trinity lutheran without running afoul establishment clause federal constitution ruled mean free exercise clause compelled state disregard broader antiestablishment principle reflected constitution held department policy violated rights trinity lutheran free exercise clause first amendment denying church otherwise available public benefit account religious status pp repeatedly confirmed denying generally available benefit solely account religious identity imposes penalty free exercise religion thus mcdaniel paty struck tennessee statute disqualifying ministers serving delegates state constitutional convention plurality recognized law discriminated mcdaniel denying benefit solely status recent years rejecting free exercise challenges neutral laws general applicability careful distinguish laws single religious disfavored treatment see lyng northwest indian cemetery protective employment dept human resources smith church lukumi babalu aye hialeah remained fundamental principle free exercise jurisprudence laws imposing special disabilities basis religious status trigger strictest scrutiny pp department policy expressly discriminates otherwise eligible recipients disqualifying public benefit solely religious character like disqualification statute mcdaniel department policy puts trinity lutheran choice may participate otherwise available benefit program remain religious institution state conditions benefit way mcdaniel says plainly state imposed penalty free exercise religion must withstand exacting scrutiny department contends simply declining allocate trinity lutheran subsidy state obligation provide meaningfully burden church free exercise rights absent burden argument continues department free follow state antiestablishment objection providing funds directly church even department acknowledges free exercise clause protects indirect coercion penalties free exercise religion outright prohibitions lyng trinity lutheran claiming entitlement subsidy asserting right participate government benefit program without disavow religious character express discrimination religious exercise denial grant rather refusal allow church solely church compete secular organizations grant pp department tries sidestep precedents arguing case instead controlled locke davey locke state washington created scholarship program assist students costs postsecondary education scholarship recipients free use state funds accredited religious schools alike use funds pursue devotional theology degree outset made clear locke like cases struck laws requiring individuals choose religious beliefs receiving government benefit davey denied scholarship denied scholarship proposed question trinity lutheran denied grant simply church locke also stated washington restriction use funds keeping state antiestablishment interest using taxpayer funds pay training clergy essentially religious endeavor nothing sort said program use recycled tires resurface playgrounds rate took account washington antiestablishment interest determining scholarship program require students choose religious beliefs receiving government benefit dispute trinity lutheran put choice church receiving government benefit pp department discriminatory policy survive rigorous scrutiny applies laws imposing special disabilities account religious status lukumi standard demands state interest highest order justify policy issue mcdaniel internal quotation marks omitted yet department offers nothing missouri preference skating far possible religious establishment concerns face clear infringement free exercise interest qualify compelling pp reversed remanded roberts delivered opinion except kennedy alito kagan joined opinion full thomas gorsuch joined except thomas filed opinion concurring part gorsuch joined gorsuch filed opinion concurring part thomas joined breyer filed opinion concurring judgment sotomayor filed dissenting opinion ginsburg joined opinion notice opinion subject formal revision publication preliminary print reports readers requested notify reporter decisions washington typographical formal errors order corrections may made preliminary print goes press trinity lutheran church columbia petitioner carol comer director missouri department natural resources writ certiorari appeals eighth circuit june chief justice roberts delivered opinion except missouri department natural resources offers state grants help public private schools nonprofit daycare centers nonprofit entities purchase rubber playground surfaces made recycled tires trinity lutheran church applied grant preschool daycare center received one fact trinity lutheran church department policy categorically disqualifying churches religious organizations receiving grants playground resurfacing program question presented whether department policy violated rights trinity lutheran free exercise clause first amendment trinity lutheran church child learning center preschool daycare center open throughout year serve working families boone county missouri surrounding area established nonprofit organization center merged trinity lutheran church operates auspices church property center admits students religion enrollment stands children ranging age two five center includes playground equipped basic playground essentials slides swings jungle gyms monkey bars sandboxes almost entire surface beneath surrounding play equipment coarse pea gravel youngsters course often fall playground tumble equipment gravel unforgiving center sought replace large portion pea gravel rubber surface participating missouri scrap tire program run state department natural resources reduce number used tires destined landfills dump sites program offers reimbursement grants qualifying nonprofit organizations purchase playground surfaces made recycled tires funded fee imposed sale new tires state due limited resources department offer grants applicants awards competitive basis scoring highest based several criteria poverty level population surrounding area applicant plan promote recycling center applied department strict express policy denying grants applicant owned controlled church sect religious entity policy department view compelled article section missouri constitution provides money shall ever taken public treasury directly indirectly aid church sect denomination religion aid priest preacher minister teacher thereof preference shall given discrimination made church sect creed religion form religious faith worship application center disclosed status ministry trinity lutheran church specified center mission provide safe clean attractive school facility conjunction educational program structured allow child grow spiritually physically socially cognitively app pet cert describing playground safety hazards posed current surface center detailed anticipated benefits proposed project increasing access playground children including disabilities providing surface compliant americans disabilities act providing safe resilient surface play areas improving missouri environment putting recycled tires positive use center also noted benefits new surface extend beyond students local community whose children often use playground hours center ranked fifth among applicants scrap tire program despite high score center deemed categorically ineligible receive grant letter rejecting center application program director explained article section missouri constitution department provide financial assistance directly church department ultimately awarded grants part program center operated trinity lutheran church receive grant trinity lutheran sued director department federal district church alleged department failure approve center application pursuant policy denying grants religiously affiliated applicants violates free exercise clause first amendment trinity lutheran sought declaratory injunctive relief prohibiting department discriminating church basis future grant applications district granted department motion dismiss free exercise clause district stated prohibits government outlawing restricting exercise religious practice generally prohibit withholding affirmative benefit account religion district likened department denial scrap tire grant situation encountered locke davey case upheld free exercise challenge state washington decision fund degrees devotional theology part state scholarship program finding present case nearly indistinguishable locke district held free exercise clause require state make funds available scrap tire program religious institutions like trinity lutheran trinity lutheran church columbia pauley supp wd mo appeals eighth circuit affirmed recognized rather clear missouri award scrap tire grant trinity lutheran without running afoul establishment clause constitution trinity lutheran church columbia pauley appeals explained mean free exercise clause compelled state disregard antiestablishment principle reflected constitution viewing monetary grant religious institution established religion concluded state rely applicant religious status deny application quoting locke internal quotation marks omitted judge gruender dissented distinguished locke ground concerned narrow issue funding religious training clergy leave unfettered discretion exclude religious generally available public benefits opinion concurring part dissenting part rehearing en banc denied equally divided granted certiorari sub nom trinity lutheran church columbia pauley ii first amendment provides part congress shall make law respecting establishment religion prohibiting free exercise thereof parties agree establishment clause amendment prevent missouri including trinity lutheran scrap tire program however answer question free exercise clause recognized play joints establishment clause permits free exercise clause compels locke internal quotation marks omitted free exercise clause protect religious observers unequal treatment subjects strictest scrutiny laws target religious special disabilities based religious status church lukumi babalu aye hialeah internal quotation marks omitted applying basic principle repeatedly confirmed denying generally available benefit solely account religious identity imposes penalty free exercise religion justified state interest highest order mcdaniel paty plurality opinion quoting wisconsin yoder everson board education ewing example upheld establishment clause challenge new jersey law enabling local school district reimburse parents public transportation costs sending children public private schools including parochial schools course ruling establishment clause allowed new jersey extend public benefit citizens regardless religious belief explained state hamper citizens free exercise religion consequently exclude individual catholics lutherans mohammedans baptists jews methodists presbyterians members faith faith lack receiving benefits public welfare legislation three decades later mcdaniel paty struck free exercise clause tennessee statute disqualifying ministers serving delegates state constitutional convention writing plurality chief justice burger acknowledged tennessee disqualified ministers serving legislators since adoption first constitution number early also disqualified ministers legislative office historical tradition however change fact statute discriminated mcdaniel denying benefit solely status mcdaniel seek participate convention also maintaining role minister pursue one give way said chief justice burger tennessee law effectively penalizes free exercise mcdaniel constitutional liberties quoting sherbert verner internal quotation marks omitted joined justice marshall concurrence justice brennan added challenged provision requires mcdaniel purchase right engage ministry sacrificing candidacy impairs free exercise religion mcdaniel recent years rejected free exercise challenges laws question neutral generally applicable without regard religion careful distinguish laws single religious disfavored treatment example lyng northwest indian cemetery protective association held free exercise clause prohibit government timber harvesting road construction particular tract federal land even though government action obstruct religious practice several native american tribes held certain sites tract sacred accepting building road harvesting timber interfere significantly private persons ability pursue spiritual fulfillment according religious beliefs nonetheless found free exercise violation affected individuals coerced government action violating religious beliefs specifically noted however government action penalize religious activity denying person equal share rights benefits privileges enjoyed citizens ibid employment division department human resources oregon smith rejected free exercise claim brought two members native american church denied unemployment benefits violated oregon drug laws ingesting peyote sacramental purposes along lines decision lyng held free exercise clause entitle church members special dispensation general criminal laws account religion time made clear free exercise clause guard government imposition special disabilities basis religious views religious status citing mcdaniel finally church lukumi babalu aye leah struck three facially neutral city ordinances outlawed certain forms animal slaughter members santeria religion challenged ordinances free exercise clause alleging despite facial neutrality ordinances discriminatory purpose easy ferret prohibiting sacrificial rituals integral santeria distasteful local residents agreed explaining challenged ordinances fact neutral generally applicable recounted fundamentals free exercise jurisprudence law said may discriminate religious beliefs may law regulate outlaw conduct religiously motivated citing mcdaniel smith restated refrain free exercise clause protects laws special disabilities basis religious status quoting smith see also mitchell helms plurality opinion noting decisions prohibited governments discriminating distribution public benefits based upon religious status sincerity citing rosenberger rector visitors univ lamb chapel center moriches union free school widmar vincent iii department policy expressly discriminates otherwise eligible recipients disqualifying public benefit solely religious character cases described make one thing clear policy imposes penalty free exercise religion triggers exacting scrutiny lukumi conclusion unremarkable light prior decisions like disqualification statute mcdaniel department policy puts trinity lutheran choice may participate otherwise available benefit program remain religious institution course trinity lutheran free continue operating church mcdaniel free continue minister freedom comes cost automatic absolute exclusion benefits public program center otherwise fully qualified state conditions benefit way mcdaniel says plainly state punished free exercise religion condition availability benefits upon recipient willingness surrender religiously impelled status effectively penalizes free exercise constitutional liberties plurality opinion alterations omitted department contends merely declining extend funds trinity lutheran prohibit church engaging religious conduct otherwise exercising religious rights sense says department policy unlike ordinances struck lukumi outlawed rituals central santeria department simply declined allocate trinity lutheran subsidy state obligation provide first place decision meaningfully burden church free exercise rights absent burden argument continues department free heed state antiestablishment objection providing funds directly church brief respondent true department criminalized way trinity lutheran worships told church subscribe certain view gospel department acknowledges free exercise clause protects indirect coercion penalties free exercise religion outright prohibitions lyng put years ago late day doubt liberties religion expression may infringed denial placing conditions upon benefit privilege sherbert see also mcdaniel brennan concurring judgment proposition law interfere free exercise directly prohibit religious activity merely conditions eligibility office abandonment squarely rejected precedent trinity lutheran claiming entitlement subsidy instead asserts right participate government benefit program without disavow religious character imposition condition upon even gratuitous benefit inevitably deter discourage exercise first amendment rights sherbert express discrimination religious exercise denial grant rather refusal allow church solely church compete secular organizations grant cf northeastern chapter associated gen contractors america jacksonville fact inability compete equal footing bidding process loss contract trinity lutheran member community state decision exclude purposes public program must withstand strictest scrutiny department attempts get weight precedents arguing free exercise question case instead controlled decision locke davey locke state washington created scholarship program assist students costs postsecondary education scholarships paid state general fund eligibility based criteria applicant score college admission tests family income scholarship recipients free use money accredited religious schools alike permitted use funds pursue devotional theology degree one devotional nature designed induce religious faith internal quotation marks omitted davey selected scholarship denied funds refused certify use toward devotional degree sued arguing state refusal allow scholarship money go toward degrees violated free exercise rights disagreed began explaining issue washington selective funding program comparable free exercise violations found lukumi line cases including striking laws requiring individuals choose religious beliefs receiving government benefit outset made clear locke like case us washington restriction use scholarship funds different according state merely chosen fund distinct category instruction davey denied scholarship denied scholarship proposed use funds prepare ministry question trinity lutheran denied grant simply church locke also stated washington choice keeping state antiestablishment interest using taxpayer funds pay training clergy fact think areas state antiestablishment interests come play claimant locke sought funding essentially religious endeavor akin religious calling well academic pursuit opposition funding support church leaders lay historic core religion clauses nothing sort said program use recycled tires resurface playgrounds relying locke department nonetheless emphasizes missouri similar constitutional tradition furnishing taxpayer money directly churches brief respondent locke took account washington antiestablishment interest determining noted scholarship program require students choose religious beliefs receiving government benefit citing mcdaniel put washington scholarship program went long way toward including religion benefits locke students program free use scholarships pervasively religious schools ibid davey use scholarship pursue secular degree one institution studying devotional theology another also use scholarship money attend religious college take devotional theology courses thing use scholarship pursue degree subject case dispute trinity lutheran put choice church receiving government benefit rule simple churches need state case expressly requires trinity lutheran renounce religious character order participate otherwise generally available public benefit program fully qualified cases make clear condition imposes penalty free exercise religion must subjected rigorous scrutiny lukumi stringent standard state interest highest order justify department discriminatory policy mcdaniel internal quotation marks omitted yet department offers nothing missouri policy preference skating far possible religious establishment concerns brief respondent face clear infringement free exercise us interest qualify compelling said considering missouri policy preference prior occasion state interest asserted achieving greater separation church state already ensured establishment clause federal constitution limited free exercise clause widmar state pursued preferred policy point expressly denying qualified religious entity public benefit solely religious character precedents goes far department policy violates free exercise nearly years ago legislator urged maryland assembly adopt bill end state disqualification jews public office account religious faith subjected disqualifications others free consider persecuted man odious exclusion benefits common rest persecution differing degree nature equally unjustifiable whose instruments chains torture speech brackenridge sess brackenridge worthington tyson speeches house delegates maryland missouri department natural resources subjected anyone chains torture account religion result state policy nothing dramatic denial political office consequence likelihood extra scraped knees exclusion trinity lutheran public benefit otherwise qualified solely church odious constitution stand judgment appeals eighth circuit reversed case remanded proceedings consistent opinion ordered thomas concurring part trinity lutheran church columbia petitioner carol comer director missouri department natural resources writ certiorari appeals eighth circuit june justice thomas justice gorsuch joins concurring part today reaffirms denying generally available benefit solely account religious identity imposes penalty free exercise religion justified state interest highest order ante free exercise clause generally prohibits laws facially discriminate religion compels conclusion see locke davey scalia dissenting despite prohibition locke permitted state disfavor religion imposing deemed relatively minor burden religious exercise advance state antiestablishment interest funding religious training clergy justified law based view free exercise clause establishment clause state actions permitted establishment clause required free exercise clause accordingly locke subject law issue form heightened scrutiny also suggest discrimination religion outside limited context support ministerial training similarly exempt exacting review endorsement locke even mil kind discrimination religion remains troubling see generally scalia dissenting today appropriately construes locke narrowly see part ante party asked us reconsider join nearly opinion however join reasons expressed justice gorsuch post opinion concurring part gorsuch concurring part trinity lutheran church columbia petitioner carol comer director missouri department natural resources writ certiorari appeals eighth circuit june justice gorsuch justice thomas joins concurring part missouri law bars trinity lutheran participating public benefits program church agree violates first amendment pleased join nearly opinion offer two modest qualifications first leaves open possibility useful distinction might drawn laws discriminate basis religious status religious use see ante respectfully harbor doubts stability line religious man say grace dinner man begin meal religious manner religious group built playground group build playground might used advance religious mission distinction blurs much way line acts omissions blur stared long leaving us ask example whether man drowns awaiting incoming tide act coming upon sea omission allowing sea come upon see cruzan director mo dept health scalia dissenting often enough facts described ways neither see first amendment free exercise clause care clause guarantees free exercise religion right inward belief status employment dept human resources smith long explained government may devise mechanisms overt disguised designed persecute oppress religion practices church lukumi babalu aye hialeah generally government may force people choose participation public program right free exercise religion see thomas review bd indiana employment security everson board ed ewing see matter whether describe benefit say closed lutherans status closed people lutheran things use free exercise either way reasons reliance distinction suffice distinguish locke davey see ante case upheld funding restriction barring student using scholarship pursue degree devotional theology really matter whether restriction locke phrased terms use instead status student wanted vocational degree religion religious student wanted necessary education chosen vocation case correct distinguished seems might opinion claim long tradition use public funds training clergy tradition correctly explains analogue ante second similar reasons unable join footnoted observation ante case involves express discrimination based religious identity respect playground resurfacing course entirely correct worry might mistakenly read suggest playground resurfacing cases association children safety health perhaps social good find sufficiently worthy governed legal rules recounted faithfully applied opinion reading unreasonable cases governed general principles rather ad hoc improvisations elk grove unified school dist newdow rehnquist concurring judgment general principles permit discrimination religious exercise whether playground anywhere else breyer concurring judgment trinity lutheran church columbia petitioner carol comer director missouri department natural resources writ certiorari appeals eighth circuit june justice breyer concurring judgment agree much says result find relevant emphasize particular nature public benefit issue cf ante trinity lutheran asserts right participate government benefit program ante referring precedent striking laws requiring individuals choose religious beliefs receiving government benefit internal quotation marks omitted ante referring trinity lutheran automatic absolute exclusion benefits public program ante state policy disqualifies otherwise eligible recipients public benefit solely religious character ante quoting statement everson board ed ewing state exclude individuals faith receiving benefits public welfare legislation stated everson cutting church schools general government services ordinary police fire protection obviously purpose first amendment state cut trinity lutheran participation general program designed secure improve health safety children see significant difference fact program issue ultimately funds limited number projects justify religious distinction administrative reason treat church schools differently sole reason advanced explains difference faith fact calls free exercise clause play need go public benefits come many shapes sizes leave application free exercise clause kinds public benefits another day sotomayor dissenting trinity lutheran church columbia petitioner carol comer director missouri department natural resources writ certiorari appeals eighth circuit june justice sotomayor justice ginsburg joins dissenting hear tell simple case recycling tires resurface playground stakes higher case nothing less relationship religious institutions civil government church state today profoundly changes relationship holding first time constitution requires government provide public funds directly church decision slights precedents history reasoning weakens country longstanding commitment separation church state beneficial founded trinity lutheran church church operates express purpose carrying commission jesus christ directed church earth story http internet materials last visited june church uses preaching teaching worship witness service fellowship according word god carry mission disciples mission http quoting matthew church religious beliefs include desire associat trinity church child learning center app pet cert located church property learning center provides daycare preschool children ages two kindergarten learning center serves ministry church incorporates daily religion developmentally appropriate activities program way hrough learning center church teaches christian world view children members church well children residents area ibid activities represent church sincere religious belief use learning center teach gospel children members well bring gospel message ibid learning center facilities include playground unlikely source dispute church provides playground safe clean attractive facilities conjunction education program structured allow child grow spiritually physically socially cognitively ibid case began church applied funding upgrade playground pea gravel grass surface missouri scrap tire program provides grants purchase installation recycled tire material resurface playgrounds church sought project modernize playground part effort gain state accreditation learning center early childhood education program missouri denied church funding based article state constitution prohibits use public funds aid church sect denomination religion ii properly understood case whether missouri decline fund improvements facilities church uses practice spread religious views repeatedly warned funding exactly kind payments government house worship cross line drawn establishment clause see walz tax city new york rosenberger rector visitors univ mitchell helms concurring judgment surprising mentions establishment clause note parties agreement prevent missouri including trinity lutheran scrap tire program ante constitutional questions decided parties concessions establishment clause allow missouri grant church funding request church uses learning center including playground conjunction religious mission silence front signals either misunderstanding facts case startling departure precedents government may directly fund religious exercise see everson board ed ewing mitchell concurring judgment ur decisions provide precedent use public funds finance religious activities internal quotation marks omitted put doctrinal terms funding violates establishment clause impermissibly advanc es religion agostini felton nowhere rule clearly implicated funds flow directly public treasury house house worship exists foster religious exercise group people bound common religious beliefs comes together shape faith mission evangelical lutheran church school eeoc within walls worshippers gather practice reaffirm faith base faithful reach yet convinced group beliefs government funds house worship underwrites religious exercise tilton richardson held much federal program issue provided construction grants colleges universities prohibited grantees using funds construct facilities sectarian instruction place religious primarily connection part program school department divinity plurality opinion quoting supp allowed federal government recover grant value grantee violated prohibition within twenty years grant see unanimously agreed time limit recovery violated establishment clause original federal grant ould part effect advancing religion plurality explained grantee converted facility chapel otherwise used promote religious interests twenty years see also douglas concurring part dissenting part lemon kurtzman brennan concurring opinion white accordingly severed limit ensuring program funds put secular use thereby bringing program line establishment clause see tilton plurality opinion case different church seeks state funds improve learning center facilities church avowed description used assist spiritual growth children members spread church faith children nonmembers church playground surface like sunday school room walls sanctuary pews integrated integral religious mission conclusion funding church seeks impermissibly advance religion inescapable true found direct government funding religious institutions consistent establishment clause funding cases came assurances public funds used religious activity despite religious nature institution see rosenberger souter dissenting chronicling cases church provide assurances see committee public ed religious liberty nyquist attempt made restrict payments expenditures related upkeep facilities used exclusively secular purposes think possible within context institutions impose restrictions church religious mission one pursues learning center playground surface confined secular use lumber used frame church walls glass stained used form windows nails used build altar may simply disagree account facts think church put playground religious use mistake limited case agrees state funding religious activity sees establishment clause problem must implicitly applying rule one agreed precedents last addressed direct funding religious institutions mitchell adhered rule establishment clause prohibits direct funding religious activities issue federal program helped state local agencies lend educational materials public private schools including religious schools see plurality opinion controlling concurrence assured program lead public funding religious activity pointed program allocated secular aid basis neutral secular criteria aid supplant program funds funds ever reach coffers religious schools evidence actual diversion de minimis program adequate safeguards police violations concurring judgment factors concluded sufficient find program impermissible effect advancing religion ibid plurality instead upheld program based secular nature aid program neutrality religious secular nature recipient see controlling concurrence rejected approach viewed plurality test secular content aid distributed basis wholly neutral criteria constitutionally insufficient test explained concurrence ignored whether public funds subsidize religion touchstone establishment jurisprudence see noting plurality logic allow funding religious organizations including churches participating religious organizations including churches use aid support religious indoctrination today opinion suggests made leap mitchell plurality agrees funding finance religious activities rule considers fact irrelevant support conclusion constitutionality problems secular neutral approach aired see souter dissenting basis history repeatedly turned inform understanding establishment clause permits direct subsidies religious indoctrination attendant concerns led establishment clause favors certain religious groups belief system allows compete public dollars enough break precedent mark radical mistake establishment clause protects religion government dangers result two become entwined providing every religion equal opportunity say secure state funding pray public schools drawing fairly clear lines separation church state least heartland religious belief primary religious worship issue zelman breyer dissenting iii even assuming absence establishment clause violation proceeding preferred front free exercise clause errs claims government may draw lines based entity religious status repeatedly said confronted government action draws line carefully considered whether interests embodied religion clauses justify line question thus whether interests support line drawn missouri article separating state treasury houses worship unquestionably establishment clause prohibits laws respecting establishment religion free exercise clause prohibits laws prohibiting free exercise thereof amdt expanded logical extreme prohibitions tend clash walz even absence violation one religion clauses interaction government religion raise concerns sound clauses reason government may sometimes act accommodate concerns even required free exercise clause without violating establishment clause government may sometimes act accommodate concerns even required establishment clause without violating free exercise clause room play joints productive benevolent neutrality permit religious exercise exist without sponsorship without interference space two clauses gives government room recognize unique status religious entities single basis exclusion otherwise generally applicable laws invoking principle held government may sometimes relieve religious entities requirements government programs state need example require nonprofit houses worship pay property taxes may instead spar exercise religion burden property taxation levied private profit institutions spare government direct confrontations conflicts follow train legal processes associated taxation see must state require nonprofit religious entities abstain making employment decisions basis religion may instead avoid imposing institutions ear potential liability might affect way carried understood religious mission government sensitive task policing compliance corporation presiding bishop church jesus christ saints amos see also brennan concurring judgment government may invoke space religion clauses manner devolve unlawful fostering religion cutter wilkinson internal quotation marks omitted invoking principle held government may sometimes close certain government aid programs religious entities state need example fund training religious group leaders preach beliefs teach faith carry mission may instead avoid historic antiestablishment interests raised use taxpayer funds support church leaders locke davey reviewing law like one singles religious entities exclusion reach thus myopically focused fact law singles religious entities reasons missouri decided unique status houses worship requires special rule comes public funds constitution reflects choice provides money shall ever taken public treasury directly indirectly aid church sect denomination religion aid priest preacher minister teacher thereof preference shall given discrimination made church sect creed religion form religious faith worship art missouri decision deep roots nation history reflects reasonable constitutional judgment consistently looked history guidance applying constitution religion clauses clauses guard return past past properly informs meaning see everson torcaso watkins case different nation early experience eventual rejection established religion shorthand sponsorship financial support active involvement sovereign religious activity walz defies easy summary two experiences religious establishment never took hold see curry first freedoms curry others establishment varied terms sect sects supported nature extent support uniformity support across state establishment take hold lost grip different times different speeds see cobb rise religious liberty america ed cobb despite rich diversity experience story relevant one consistency use public funds support core religious institutions safely described hallmark early experiences religious establishment every state establishment saw laws passed raise public funds direct toward houses worship ministers disestablished one one undid fought end public funding religion based opposition powerful set arguments stemming basic premise practice harmed civil government religion civil government maintained claim authority religious belief support religion compelled state marked overstep authority lead equally troubling risked divisiveness giving religions reason compete state beneficence faith believed personal matter entirely individual god religion best served sects reached basis tenets alone unsullied outside forces allowing adherents come faith voluntarily arguments gained acceptance led end state laws exacting payment support religion take virginia revolution virginia debated rejected general religious assessment proposed bill allowed taxpayers direct payments christian church choice support minister exempted quakers menonists sent undirected assessments public treasury seminaries learning bill establishing provision teachers christian religion reprinted everson supplemental appendix dissent rutledge opposing proposal james madison authored famous memorial remonstrance condemned bill hostile religious freedom memorial remonstrance religious assessments founders constitution kurland lerner eds believing proper take alarm despite bill limits protested authority force citizen contribute three pence property support one establishment may force conform establishment religion flourished without support human laws spite every opposition compelled support religion argued weaken believers confidence innate excellence strengthen others suspicion friends conscious fallacies trust merits harm purity efficacy supported religion ibid ended deeming bill incompatible virginia guarantee exercise religion according dictates conscience madison contributed one influential voice larger chorus petitions opposed bill others included religious bodies baptists presbyterians quakers buckley church state revolutionary virginia petitions raised similar points see like madison many viewed bill step toward dangerous relationship see voices bill virginia soon prohibited religious assessments see virginia act establishing religious freedom founders constitution debate played nearby maryland result assessment bill proposed allowed taxpayers direct payments ministers sufficiently large churches poor exempt see curry controversy bill eclipse volume writing bitterness invective every political dispute since debate question independence rainbolt struggle define religious liberty maryland church state critics bill raised themes virginia religion needs power rules establish protect financial support religion leads toward establishment laws support oppressive curry internal quotation marks omitted see also copy petition general assembly maryland gazette mar pp hy desire make conscience forced law legislature next met representatives elected voters bill failed curry maryland revoked authority levy religious assessments see md amdt xiii federal state constitutions thorpe ed thorpe new england took longer reach conclusion vermont went first religious assessment laws accommodating person member town church upon securing certificate effect exempt see levy establishment clause levy even laws viewed many violating vermont constitutional prohibition involuntary support religion guarantee freedom conscience see address council censors people vermont eligion concern personally exclusively operative individual god address council censors vermont laws evils included violence done feelings men property animosities dangerous lengths foundation us go civil religious usurpation vermont repealed laws concerning taxation religion levy rest new england heard arguments reached conclusion john leland sustained criticism religious assessments years helped end practice connecticut see esbeck dissent disestablishment settlement early american republic rev reasons offered urging opposition state laws familiar religion matter god individuals need harmed government support leland rights conscience inalienable sacred rights conscience dreisbach hall eds ruth gains honor men firmly believe religion subjected cool investigation fair argument freedom conscience produces religious assessments violated freedom argued see people bind nobody injured religious opinions bind individual besides bond fraudulent declared illegal connecticut ended religious assessments first statute state constitution see cobb new hampshire steady campaign religious assessments led bill subjected scrutiny people kinney church state struggle separation new hampshire kinney nicknamed whipple act strongest advocate state house orford union congregational soc west congregational soc orford defended bill means take religion politics eliminate state support insure opportunity worship true freedom conscience put sects denominations christians upon level kinney bill became law provided person shall compelled join support classed associated congregation church religious society without express consent first obtained act july regulating towns choice town officers laws state new hampshire enacted since june massachusetts held longest finally ending religious assessments see cobb course history shows lived laws practices formed religious establishments made considered decision civil government fund ministers houses worship us debates may seem abstract history remote live society long benefited decisions made response arguments society fortunate fought hard build locke expressed understanding respect history locke involved provision state washington constitution like missouri nearly identical article barred use public funds houses worship ministers consistent denial funds ministers state college scholarship program allow funds used devotional theology degrees asked whether violated minister free exercise rights invoked play joints principle answered establishment clause require prohibition link government funds religious training broken independent private choice scholarship recipients see also supra nonetheless denial violate free exercise clause historic substantial state interest supported constitutional provision think areas state antiestablishment interests come play procuring taxpayer funds support church leaders true case directing taxpayer funds houses worship see supra like use public dollars ministers issue locke turning public funds houses worship implicates serious antiestablishment free exercise interests history discussed fully supports conclusion disestablished repealed laws allowing taxation support religion practice threatened forms government support involved government control weakened supporters control religion common sense also supports conclusion recall state may fund religious activities without violating establishment clause see part supra state reasonably use status house worship religious activities inside house worship dividing religious secular require intrusive government monitoring lines entangle government house worship activities every activity house worship undertakes inseparably linked religious activity likelihood many makes categorical rule suitable means avoid chilling exercise religion amos brennan concurring judgment finally course funding implicates free exercise rights taxpayers denying chance decide whether fund religion play joints religion clauses locke quoting walz true locke prophylactic rule use public funds houses worship permissible accommodation weighty interests rule historical pedigree identical provision locke almost ratified religion clauses operated rule see seven placed rule state three enforced statute one yet embraced today counterpart missouri article provisions general matter date back original many long drawn line prohibits public funding houses worship based principles rooted nation understanding best foster religious liberty supports conclusion public funding houses worship different ilk locke locke missouri article closely tied state interests protects see locke describing program issue go ing long way toward including religion benefits straightforward reading article prohibits funding church sect denomination religion aid priest preacher minister teacher thereof missouri courts read state constitution reach broadly prohibit funding religiously affiliated institutions broadly still prohibit funding religious believers see saint louis univ masonic temple assn louis mo university religious institution simply affiliated jesuits roman catholic church scrap tire program issue proves point missouri fund religious organization owned controlled church mission activities secular separate religion spiritual nature funds used secular separate religion spiritual purposes rather sectarian denominational devoted sect purposes app brief petitioner see also tr oral arg article thus stops missouri funding specific entities ones set enforce religious doctrine adherents entities acutely raise establishment free exercise concerns arise public funds flow religion missouri recognized simple truth even absent establishment clause violation transfer public funds houses worship raises concerns sit exactly religion clauses avoid concerns concerns prohibited funding made choice made earliest centuries ago many years since constitution permits choice view none matters focuses one aspect missouri article exclusion else denies funding house worship church simply church ante describes constitutionally impermissible line based religious status requires strict scrutiny rule step precedents area wrong terms constitution creates specific rules control government may interact religious entities course government may act based religious entity status status implicates interests protected religion clauses sometimes religious entity unique status requires government act see times merely permits government act see part supra cases dispositive issue whether religious status matters religion clauses issue whether government must may act basis start stays silent opinion acknowledge precedents expressly approved government choice draw lines based entity religious status see amos walz locke cases deploy strict scrutiny create presumption unconstitutionality today instead asked whether government offered strong enough reason justify drawing line based status see amos see justification applying strict scrutiny walz rejecting criticisms approach giving little weight fact essential part adjudication draw distinctions including fine ones process interpreting constitution locke balancing state interests aspiring minister takes two steps avoid precedents first recasts locke case restriction prohibited minister us ing funds prepare ministry ante faithful reading locke gives broader reach locke stands reasonable proposition government may need choose fund certain religious entities ministers raises historic substantial establishment free exercise concerns second suggests case different involves discrimination form denial access possible benefit ante area law decision treat entities differently based distinctions religion clauses make relevant amount understand keep mind unambiguously concluded individual freedom conscience protected first amendment embraces right select religious faith none wallace jaffree denial benefit others may receive discrimination violates free exercise clause accommodations religious entities approved violate free exercise rights nonreligious entities good reason rejected idea see amos instead focused whether government provided good enough reason based values religion clauses protect offers real reason rejecting balancing approach precedents favor strict scrutiny beyond references discrimination desire avoid views discrimination understandable context description particularly inappropriate state decision fund houses worship disfavor religion rather represents valid choice remain secular face serious establishment free exercise concerns make state atheistic antireligious county allegheny american civil liberties union greater pittsburgh chapter means state establishe neither atheism religion official creed ibid conclusion alternative governmental support religion governmental hostility represents giant step backward religion clause jurisprudence stevens concurring part dissenting part bottom creates following rule today government may draw lines basis religious status grant benefit religious persons entities may draw lines basis interests religion clauses protect ways nothing supports lopsided outcome religion clauses protect establishment free exercise interests constitutional breath neither privileged precedent since repeatedly explained clauses protect religion individual freedom conscience jaffree allows choose religion reject remain undecided reason case shows interests served lifting burdens certain religious entities may sometimes equally served denying benefits certain religious entities cf walz entanglement amos influence religious activities justice breyer concurrence offers narrower rule limit effects today decision rule resolve case justice breyer like thinks denying generally available benefit solely account religious identity imposes penalty free exercise religion justified state interest highest order ante majority opinion internal quotation marks omitted see ante breyer concurring judgment disagree literal interpretation statement fence religious persons entities truly generally available public benefit one provided questions asked police fire protections violate free exercise clause accord rosenberger souter dissenting explains missouri apply constitutional provision manner see tr oral arg done scrap tire program offers generally available benefit selective benefit recipients year context comparison truly generally available benefits inapt cf everson rutledge dissenting religion clauses forbi support protection interference destruction top application new rule mistaken concluding missouri article withstand strict scrutiny describes missouri interest mere policy preference skating far possible religious establishment concerns ante constitutional provisions invalidated today weighty interests protect history draw deserve judicial brush today decision discounts centuries history jeopardizes government ability remain secular three years ago claimed understand area law sweep away long settled create new controversy begin anew divisions along religious lines establishment clause seeks prevent town greece galloway slip makes clear today principle applies preference suits iv religion clauses first amendment contain promise government backstop disables government breaking free exercise clause extends promise retain inalienable right free exercise religion choose whether believe worship establishment clause erects backstop government enactment law respecting establishment religion start us path past right routinely abridged today dismantles core protection religious freedom provided clauses holds government may support houses worship taxpayer funds least case perhaps others see ante must whenever decides create funding program history shows religion clauses separate public treasury religious coffers one measure secure kind freedom conscience benefits religion government separation means anything means government least need tax citizens turn money houses worship today blinds outcome history requires leads us instead place separation church state constitutional slogan constitutional commitment dissent footnotes april governor missouri announced directed department begin allowing religious organizations compete receive department grants terms secular organizations announcement moot case said voluntary cessation challenged practice moot case unless subsequent events ke absolutely clear allegedly wrongful behavior reasonably expected recur friends earth laidlaw environmental services toc internal quotation marks omitted department carried heavy burden making absolutely clear revert policy excluding religious organizations ibid parties agree see letter james layton counsel respondent scott harris clerk apr adopting position missouri attorney general office clearly effective barrier prevent department reinstating policy future letter david cortman counsel petitioner scott harris clerk apr policy change nothing remedy source department original policy missouri interpretation article missouri constitution say application valid neutral law general applicability necessarily constitutional free exercise clause recently evangelical lutheran church school eeoc held religion clauses required ministerial exception neutral prohibition employment retaliation contained americans disabilities act distinguishing smith explained case concerned government regulation physical acts present case contrast concerns government interference internal church decision affects faith mission church case involves express discrimination based religious identity respect playground resurfacing address religious uses funding forms discrimination held law targeting religious beliefs never permissible lukumi see also mcdaniel paty plurality opinion need decide whether condition missouri imposes case falls within scope rule survive strict scrutiny event based holding need reach church claim policy also violates equal protection clause footnotes government aid purpose effect advancing inhibiting religion violates establishment clause agostini felton internal quotation marks omitted whether government aid effect turns whether result governmental indoctrination define recipients reference religion create excessive entanglement government religion see also considerations speak whether aid reasonably viewed endorsement religion missouri decides scrap tire program applicants receive state funding case implicate line decisions indirect aid programs aid reaches religious institutions result genuine independent choices private individuals zelman scrap tire program requires applicant certify among things mission activities secular put program funds secular use app pet cert record unclear whether church provided part certification case church offered assurances case highlights weaknesses rule scrap tire program ranks highly applicants agree generate media exposure missouri program receive endorsement local solid waste management entities prefers applicants agree advertise government funded seek approval government agencies ignore result ignore type state entanglement endorsement religion establishment clause guards hold religion clauses applied fourteenth amendment see cantwell connecticut free exercise clause everson board ed ewing establishment clause dismantled religious establishments accord response lessons taught experiences religious establishments might point scrap tire program issue impose assessment specifically religious entities rather directs funds raised general taxation scheme church distinction makes difference debates religious assessment laws focused means laws ends turning public funds religious entities see locke davey see art xviii thorpe shall person within colony ever obliged pay tithes taxes rates purpose building repairing church churches place places worship maintenance minister ministry contrary believes right deliberately voluntarily engaged perform art xxxiv either shall person pretence whatsoever obliged pay purchase glebe building house worship maintenance minister ministry contrary believes right voluntarily personally engaged perform pa art ix man right compelled attend erect support place worship maintain ministry consent art xxxviii person shall law obliged pay towards maintenance support religious worship freely join voluntarily engaged support vt ch art iii man right compelled attend religious worship erect support place worship maintain minister contrary dictates conscience delaware new york constitutions directly address understood prohibit public funding religion see curry see also del art man shall compelled attend religious worship contribute erection support place worship maintenance ministry free consent see virginia act establishing religious freedom founders constitution kurland lerner eds curry rhode island never publicly funded houses worship esbeck dissent disestablishment settlement early american republic rev maryland never invoked constitutional authorization religious assessments see pt arts vi thorpe see ala art ariz art ii art ix ark art ii cal art xvi colo art ii art ix conn art seventh del art fla art ga art para vii idaho art ix ill art art ind art iowa art const md decl rights art mass const art xviii mich art minn art mo art art ix mont art neb art pt art art art ii ohio art okla art ii ore art pa art art iii art art vi tenn art tex art utah art vt ch art va art art iv wash art va art iii wis art wyo art art iii see ala art thorpe ariz art ii art ix ark art ii thorpe cal art ix colo art ii art conn art first art seventh del art fla decl rights thorpe ga art para xiv idaho art art ix ill art viii ind art art iowa art ky art xiii md decl rights art mass const art xviii mass const art xviii mich art art iv thorpe minn art enabling act mo art art ii mont art xi neb art pt art art xviii thorpe art ii ohio art viii thorpe okla art ii snyder constitution oklahoma ore art thorpe pa art ix art iii art art vi tenn art xi tex art art utah art vt ch art iii va art iii art iv wash art va art ii wis art wyo art art iii explains perhaps reference equal protection clause precedent rather free exercise clause precedent point see ante citing northeastern chapter associated gen contractors america jacksonville surprise despite protests contrary case applied rigid rule mcdaniel paty relies heavily mentioned status distinguish laws deprived person civil right solely religious beliefs plurality opinion torcaso watkins invalidated law barred persons refused state belief god public office without evaluat ing interests assertedly justifying mcdaniel plurality opinion approach control mcdaniel involved state constitutional provision barred ministers serving legislators ministerial status defined terms conduct activity belief thus asked whether interests state offered strong enough justify denial constitutional right serve public office concluded references status cases simply recount mcdaniel see church lukumi babalu aye hialeah employment dept human resources smith end soundness today decision may matter less might enable tomorrow principle establishes manipulated call similar fate lines drawn basis religious use see ante gorsuch concurring part see also ante thomas concurring part going suggesting lines drawn basis religious status amount per se unconstitutional discrimination basis religious belief enough today explain decision wrong error concurrences decisions left tomorrow see school dist abington township schempp free exercise clause clearly prohibits use state action deny rights free exercise anyone never meant majority use machinery state practice beliefs