employment dept human res smith argued november decided april respondents smith black fired private drug rehabilitation organization ingested peyote hallucinogenic drug sacramental purposes ceremony native american church applications unemployment compensation denied state oregon state law disqualifying employees discharged misconduct holding denials violated respondents first amendment free exercise rights state appeals reversed state affirmed vacated judgment remanded determination whether sacramental peyote use proscribed state controlled substance law makes felony knowingly intentionally possess drug pending determination refused decide whether use protected constitution remand state held sacramental peyote use violated excepted prohibition concluded prohibition invalid free exercise clause held free exercise clause permits state prohibit sacramental peyote use thus deny unemployment benefits persons discharged use pp although state prohibiting free exercise religion violation clause sought ban performance abstention physical acts solely religious motivation clause relieve individual obligation comply law incidentally forbids requires performance act religious belief requires forbids law specifically directed religious practice otherwise constitutional applied engage specified act nonreligious reasons see reynolds decisions held first amendment bars application neutral generally applicable law religiously motivated action distinguished ground involved free exercise clause alone clause conjunction constitutional protections see cantwell connecticut wisconsin yoder pp respondents claim religious exemption oregon law evaluated balancing test set forth line cases following sherbert verner whereby governmental actions substantially burden religious practice must justified compelling governmental interest test developed context unemployment compensation eligibility rules lent individualized governmental assessment reasons relevant conduct test inapplicable criminal prohibition particular form conduct holding contrary create extraordinary right ignore generally applicable laws supported compelling governmental interest basis religious belief right limited situations conduct prohibited central individual religion since enmesh judges impermissible inquiry centrality particular beliefs practices faith cf hernandez commissioner thus although constitutionally permissible exempt sacramental peyote use operation drug laws constitutionally required pp scalia delivered opinion rehnquist white stevens kennedy joined filed opinion concurring judgment parts ii brennan marshall blackmun joined without concurring judgment post blackmun filed dissenting opinion brennan marshall joined post dave frohnmayer attorney general oregon argued cause petitioners briefs james mountain deputy attorney general virginia linder solicitor general michael reynolds assistant solicitor general craig dorsay argued cause filed briefs respondents briefs amici curiae urging affirmance filed american civil liberties union et al steven shapiro john powell american jewish congress amy adelson lois waldman marc stern association american indian affairs et al steven moore jack trope council religious freedom lee boothby robert nixon justice scalia delivered opinion case requires us decide whether free exercise clause first amendment permits state oregon include religiously inspired peyote use within reach general criminal prohibition use drug thus permits state deny unemployment benefits persons dismissed jobs religiously inspired use oregon law prohibits knowing intentional possession controlled substance unless substance prescribed medical practitioner rev stat law defines controlled substance drug classified schedules federal controlled substances act modified state board pharmacy rev stat persons violate provision possessing controlled substance listed schedule guilty class felony compiled state board pharmacy statutory authority see schedule contains drug peyote hallucinogen derived plant lophophora williamsii lemaire admin rule respondents alfred smith galen black hereinafter respondents fired jobs private drug rehabilitation organization ingested peyote sacramental purposes ceremony native american church members respondents applied petitioner employment division hereinafter petitioner unemployment compensation determined ineligible benefits discharged misconduct oregon appeals reversed determination holding denial benefits violated respondents free exercise rights first amendment appeal oregon petitioner argued denial benefits permissible respondents consumption peyote crime oregon law oregon reasoned however criminality respondents peyote use irrelevant resolution constitutional claim since purpose misconduct provision respondents disqualified enforce state criminal laws preserve financial integrity compensation fund since purpose inadequate justify burden disqualification imposed respondents religious practice citing decisions sherbert verner thomas review bd indiana employment security concluded respondents entitled payment unemployment benefits smith employment dept human resources granted certiorari petitioner continued maintain illegality respondents peyote consumption relevant constitutional claim agreed concluding state prohibited criminal laws certain kinds religiously motivated conduct without violating first amendment certainly follows may impose lesser burden denying unemployment compensation benefits persons engage conduct employment dept human resources oregon smith smith noted however oregon decided whether respondents sacramental use peyote fact proscribed oregon controlled substance law issue matter dispute parties uncertain legality religious use peyote oregon determined appropriate us decide whether practice protected federal constitution accordingly vacated judgment oregon remanded proceedings remand oregon held respondents religiously inspired use peyote fell within prohibition oregon statute makes exception sacramental use drug considered whether prohibition valid free exercise clause concluded therefore reaffirmed previous ruling state deny unemployment benefits respondents engaged practice granted certiorari ii respondents claim relief rests decisions sherbert verner supra thomas review bd indiana employment security supra hobbie unemployment appeals florida held state condition availability unemployment insurance individual willingness forgo conduct required religion observed smith however conduct issue cases prohibited law held distinction critical oregon prohibit religious use peyote prohibition consistent federal constitution federal right engage conduct oregon state free withhold unemployment compensation respondents engaging misconduct despite religious motivation oregon confirmed oregon prohibit religious use peyote proceed consider whether prohibition permissible free exercise clause free exercise clause first amendment made applicable incorporation fourteenth amendment see cantwell connecticut provides congress shall make law respecting establishment religion prohibiting free exercise thereof amdt emphasis added free exercise religion means first foremost right believe profess whatever religious doctrine one desires thus first amendment obviously excludes governmental regulation religious beliefs sherbert verner supra government may compel affirmation religious belief see torcaso watkins punish expression religious doctrines believes false ballard impose special disabilities basis religious views religious status see mcdaniel paty fowler rhode island cf larson valente lend power one side controversies religious authority dogma see presbyterian church mary elizabeth blue hull memorial presbyterian church kedroff nicholas cathedral serbian eastern orthodox diocese milivojevich exercise religion often involves belief profession performance abstention physical acts assembling others worship service participating sacramental use bread wine proselytizing abstaining certain foods certain modes transportation true think though case involved point state prohibiting free exercise religion sought ban acts abstentions engaged religious reasons religious belief display doubtless unconstitutional example ban casting statues used worship purposes prohibit bowing golden calf respondents present case however seek carry meaning prohibiting free exercise religion one large step contend religious motivation using peyote places beyond reach criminal law specifically directed religious practice concededly constitutional applied use drug reasons assert words prohibiting free exercise religion includes requiring individual observe generally applicable law requires forbids performance act religious belief forbids requires textual matter think words must given meaning necessary regard collection general tax example prohibiting free exercise religion citizens believe support organized government sinful regard tax abridging freedom press publishing companies must pay tax condition staying business permissible reading text one case say prohibiting exercise religion burdening activity printing object tax merely incidental effect generally applicable otherwise valid provision first amendment offended compare citizen publishing upholding application antitrust laws press grosjean american press striking license tax applied newspapers weekly circulation specified level see generally minneapolis star tribune minnesota revenue decisions reveal latter reading correct one never held individual religious beliefs excuse compliance otherwise valid law prohibiting conduct state free regulate contrary record century free exercise jurisprudence contradicts proposition described succinctly justice frankfurter minersville school dist bd ed gobitis conscientious scruples course long struggle religious toleration relieved individual obedience general law aimed promotion restriction religious beliefs mere possession religious convictions contradict relevant concerns political society relieve citizen discharge political responsibilities omitted first occasion assert principle reynolds rejected claim criminal laws polygamy constitutionally applied whose religion commanded practice laws said made government actions interfere mere religious belief opinions may practices man excuse practices contrary religious belief permit make professed doctrines religious belief superior law land effect permit every citizen become law unto subsequent decisions consistently held right free exercise relieve individual obligation comply valid neutral law general applicability ground law proscribes prescribes conduct religion prescribes proscribes lee stevens concurring judgment see minersville school dist bd ed gobitis supra collecting cases prince massachusetts held mother prosecuted child labor laws using children dispense literature streets religious motivation notwithstanding found constitutional infirmity excluding children children may braunfeld brown plurality opinion upheld laws claim burdened religious practices persons whose religions compelled refrain work days gillette sustained military selective service system claim violated free exercise conscripting persons opposed particular war religious grounds recent decision involving neutral generally applicable regulatory law compelled activity forbidden individual religion lee amish employer behalf employees sought exemption collection payment social security taxes ground amish faith prohibited participation governmental support programs rejected claim exemption constitutionally required way observed distinguish amish believer objection social security taxes religious objections others might collection use taxes example religious adherent believes war sin certain percentage federal budget identified devoted activities individuals similarly valid claim exempt paying percentage income tax tax system function denominations allowed challenge tax system tax payments spent manner violates religious belief cf hernandez commissioner rejecting free exercise challenge payment income taxes alleged make religious activities difficult decisions held first amendment bars application neutral generally applicable law religiously motivated action involved free exercise clause alone free exercise clause conjunction constitutional protections freedom speech press see cantwell connecticut invalidating licensing system religious charitable solicitations administrator discretion deny license cause deemed nonreligious murdock pennsylvania invalidating flat tax solicitation applied dissemination religious ideas follett mccormick right parents acknowledged pierce society sisters direct education children see wisconsin yoder invalidating compulsory laws applied amish parents refused religious grounds send children school cases prohibiting compelled expression decided exclusively upon free speech grounds also involved freedom religion cf wooley maynard invalidating compelled display license plate slogan offended individual religious beliefs west virginia bd education barnette invalidating compulsory flag salute statute challenged religious objectors easy envision case challenge freedom association grounds likewise reinforced free exercise clause concerns cf roberts jaycees individual freedom speak worship petition government redress grievances vigorously protected interference state correlative freedom engage group effort toward ends also guaranteed present case present hybrid situation free exercise claim unconnected communicative activity parental right respondents urge us hold quite simply otherwise prohibitable conduct accompanied religious convictions convictions conduct must free governmental regulation never held decline contention oregon drug law represents attempt regulate religious beliefs communication religious beliefs raising one children beliefs rule adhered ever since reynolds plainly controls cases farthest reach support proposition stance conscientious opposition relieves objector colliding duty fixed democratic government gillette supra respondents argue even though exemption generally applicable criminal laws need automatically extended religiously motivated actors least claim religious exemption must evaluated balancing test set forth sherbert verner sherbert test governmental actions substantially burden religious practice must justified compelling governmental interest see see also hernandez commissioner applying test three occasions invalidated state unemployment compensation rules conditioned availability benefits upon applicant willingness work conditions forbidden religion see sherbert verner supra thomas review bd indiana employment security hobbie unemployment appeals florida never invalidated governmental action basis sherbert test except denial unemployment compensation although sometimes purported apply sherbert test contexts always found test satisfied see lee gillette recent years abstained applying sherbert test outside unemployment compensation field bowen roy declined apply sherbert analysis federal statutory scheme required benefit applicants recipients provide social security numbers plaintiffs case asserted violate religious beliefs obtain provide social security number daughter held statute application plaintiffs valid regardless whether necessary effectuate compelling interest see lyng northwest indian cemetery protective declined apply sherbert analysis government logging road construction activities lands used religious purposes several native american tribes even though undisputed activities devastating effects traditional indian religious practices goldman weinberger rejected application sherbert test military dress regulations forbade wearing yarmulkes estate shabazz sustained without mentioning sherbert test prison refusal excuse inmates work requirements attend worship services even inclined breathe sherbert life beyond unemployment compensation field apply require exemptions generally applicable criminal law sherbert test must recalled developed context lent individualized governmental assessment reasons relevant conduct plurality noted roy distinctive feature unemployment compensation programs eligibility criteria invite consideration particular circumstances behind applicant unemployment statutory conditions sherbert thomas provided person eligible unemployment compensation benefits without good cause quit work refused available work good cause standard created mechanism individualized exemptions bowen roy supra opinion burger joined powell rehnquist see also sherbert supra reading state unemployment compensation law allowing benefits unemployment caused least personal reasons plurality pointed roy decisions unemployment cases stand proposition state place system individual exemptions may refuse extend system cases religious hardship without compelling reason bowen roy supra whether decisions limited least nothing criminal prohibition particular form conduct although noted earlier sometimes used sherbert test analyze free exercise challenges laws see lee supra gillette supra never applied test invalidate one conclude today sounder approach approach accord vast majority precedents hold test inapplicable challenges government ability enforce generally applicable prohibitions socially harmful conduct like ability carry aspects public policy depend measuring effects governmental action religious objector spiritual development lyng supra make individual obligation obey law contingent upon law coincidence religious beliefs except state interest compelling permitting virtue beliefs become law unto reynolds contradicts constitutional tradition common sense compelling government interest requirement seems benign familiar fields using standard must met government may accord different treatment basis race see palmore sidoti government may regulate content speech see sable communications california fcc remotely comparable using purpose asserted produces fields equality treatment unrestricted flow contending speech constitutional norms produce private right ignore generally applicable laws constitutional anomaly possible limit impact respondents proposal requiring compelling state interest conduct prohibited central individual religion cf lyng northwest indian cemetery protective brennan dissenting appropriate judges determine centrality religious beliefs applying compelling interest test free exercise field determine importance ideas applying compelling interest test free speech field principle law logic brought bear contradict believer assertion particular act central personal faith judging centrality different religious practices akin unacceptable business evaluating relative merits differing religious claims lee stevens concurring reaffirmed last term within judicial ken question centrality particular beliefs practices faith validity particular litigants interpretations creeds hernandez commissioner repeatedly many different contexts warned courts must presume determine place particular belief religion plausibility religious claim see thomas review bd indiana employment security presbyterian church mary elizabeth blue hull memorial presbyterian church jones wolf ballard compelling interest test applied must applied across board actions thought religiously commanded moreover compelling interest really means says watering subvert rigor fields applied many laws meet test society adopting system courting anarchy danger increases direct proportion society diversity religious beliefs determination coerce suppress none precisely cosmopolitan nation made people almost every conceivable religious preference braunfeld brown precisely value protect religious divergence afford luxury deeming presumptively invalid applied religious objector every regulation conduct protect interest highest order rule respondents favor open prospect constitutionally required religious exemptions civic obligations almost every conceivable kind ranging compulsory military service see gillette payment taxes see lee supra health safety regulation manslaughter child neglect laws see funkhouser state crim app compulsory vaccination laws see cude state ark drug laws see olsen drug enforcement administration app traffic laws see cox new hampshire social welfare legislation minimum wage laws see tony susan alamo foundation secretary labor child labor laws see prince massachusetts animal cruelty laws see church lukumi babalu aye city hialeah supp sd cf state massey appeal dism environmental protection laws see little supp mont laws providing equality opportunity races see bob jones university first amendment protection religious liberty require values protected government interference enshrinement bill rights thereby banished political process society believes negative protection accorded press first amendment likely enact laws affirmatively foster dissemination printed word also society believes negative protection accorded religious belief expected solicitous value legislation well therefore surprising number made exception drug laws sacramental peyote use see rev stat ann rev stat stat ann supp say nondiscriminatory exemption permitted even desirable say constitutionally required appropriate occasions creation discerned courts may fairly said leaving accommodation political process place relative disadvantage religious practices widely engaged unavoidable consequence democratic government must preferred system conscience law unto judges weigh social importance laws centrality religious beliefs ordered footnotes mean say religious groups press free financial burdens government something quite different example tax income one engages religious activities tax property used employed connection activities one thing impose tax income property preacher quite another thing exact tax privilege delivering sermon deprive religious groups colporteurs take part vital power press survived reformation justice seeks distinguish lyng northwest indian cemetery protective bowen roy ground cases involved government conduct internal affairs different justice douglas said sherbert free exercise clause written terms government individual terms individual exact government post concurring judgment quoting sherbert verner douglas concurring since justice douglas voted majority sherbert quote obviously envisioned government individual includes prohibition individual freedom action criminal laws also running programs sherbert state unemployment compensation fashion harm individual religious interests moreover hard see reason principle practically government tailor health safety laws conform diversity religious belief tailor management public lands lyng supra administration welfare programs roy supra justice suggests nothing talismanic neutral laws general applicability laws burdening religious practices subject scrutiny first amendment unequivocally makes freedom religion like freedom race discrimination freedom speech constitutional anomaly post opinion concurring judgment comparison fields supports rather undermines conclusion draw today subject exacting scrutiny laws make classifications based race see palmore sidoti content speech see sable communications california fcc strictly scrutinize governmental classifications based religion see mcdaniel paty see also torcaso watkins held laws effect disproportionately disadvantaging particular racial group thereby become subject analysis equal protection clause see washington davis police employment examination held generally applicable laws unconcerned regulating speech effect interfering speech thereby become subject analysis first amendment see citizen publishing antitrust laws conclusion generally applicable laws effect burdening particular religious practice need justified compelling governmental interest approach compatible precedents arguing apply compelling interest test case justice nonetheless agrees determination constitutionality oregon general criminal prohibition turn centrality particular religious practice issue post opinion concurring judgment means presumably scrutiny must applied generally applicable laws regulate prohibit religiously motivated activity matter unimportant claimant religion earlier opinion however justice appears contradict saying proper approach determine whether burden specific plaintiffs us constitutionally significant whether particular criminal interest asserted state us compelling post constitutionally significant burden seem centrality another name case dispensing centrality inquiry utterly unworkable require example degree compelling state interest impede practice throwing rice church weddings impede practice getting married church way difficulty general laws subjected religious practice exception importance law issue centrality practice issue must reasonably considered difficulty avoided justice blackmun assertion although courts refrain delving questions whether matter religious doctrine particular practice central religion think means courts must turn blind eye severe impact state restrictions adherents minority religion post dissenting opinion justice blackmun opinion proceeds make clear inquiry severe impact different inquiry centrality merely substituted question important religious adherent question great harm religious adherent taken away material difference justice contends parade horribles text demonstrates courts quite capable strik ing sensible balances religious liberty competing state interests post opinion concurring judgment cases cite struck sensible balances applied general laws despite claims religious exemption event justice mistakes purpose parade suggest courts necessarily permit harmful exemptions laws though might suggest courts constantly business determining whether severe impact various laws religious practice use justice blackmun terminology post constitutiona significan ce burden specific plaintiffs use justice terminology post suffices permit us confer exemption parade horribles horrible contemplate federal judges regularly balance importance general laws significance religious practice justice justice brennan justice marshall justice blackmun join parts ii concurring judgment although agree result reaches case join opinion view today holding dramatically departs first amendment jurisprudence appears unnecessary resolve question presented incompatible nation fundamental commitment individual religious liberty outset note agree implicit determination constitutional question upon granted review whether free exercise clause protects person religiously motivated use peyote reach state general criminal law prohibition properly presented case recounts respondents alfred smith galen black hereinafter respondents denied unemployment compensation benefits sacramental use peyote constituted misconduct violated oregon general criminal prohibition possession peyote held however employment dept human resources oregon smith smith whether state may consistent federal law deny unemployment compensation benefits persons religious use peyote depends whether state matter state law criminalized underlying conduct see oregon remand concluded oregon statute possession controlled substances include peyote makes exception sacramental use peyote omitted respondents contend oregon declined decide whether oregon constitution prohibits criminal prosecution religious use peyote see ruling federal constitutional question premature respondents course correct oregon may eventually decide oregon constitution requires state provide exemption general criminal prohibition religious use peyote decision reopen question whether state may nevertheless deny unemployment compensation benefits claimants discharged engaging conduct case comes us today however oregon plainly ruled oregon prohibition possession controlled substances contain exemption religious use peyote light decision smith makes finding necessary predicate correct evaluation respondents federal claim question presented addressed properly ii today extracts long history free exercise precedents single categorical rule prohibiting exercise religion merely incidental effect generally applicable otherwise valid provision first amendment offended ante citations omitted indeed holds law generally applicable criminal prohibition usual free exercise jurisprudence even apply ante reach sweeping result however must give strained reading first amendment must also disregard consistent application free exercise doctrine cases involving generally applicable regulations burden religious conduct free exercise clause first amendment commands congress shall make law prohibiting free exercise religion cantwell connecticut held prohibition applies incorporation fourteenth amendment categorically forbids government regulation religious beliefs recognizes however free exercise religion often invariably requires performance abstention certain acts ante cf new english dictionary historical principles murray ed defining exercise include practice performance rites ceremonies worship etc right permission celebrate observances religion religious observances acts public private worship preaching prophesying elief action neatly confined compartments wisconsin yoder first amendment distinguish religious belief religious conduct conduct motivated sincere religious belief like belief must least presumptively protected free exercise clause today however interprets clause permit government prohibit without justification conduct mandated individual religious beliefs long prohibition generally applicable ante law prohibits certain conduct conduct happens act worship someone manifestly prohibit person free exercise religion person barred engaging religiously motivated conduct barred freely exercising religion moreover person barred freely exercising religion regardless whether law prohibits conduct engaged religious reasons members religion persons difficult deny law prohibits religiously motivated conduct even law generally applicable least implicate first amendment concerns responds generally applicable laws one large step removed laws aimed specific religious practices ibid first amendment however distinguish laws generally applicable laws target particular religious practices indeed naive enact law directly prohibiting burdening religious practice free exercise cases concerned generally applicable laws effect significantly burdening religious practice first amendment vitality construed cover extreme hypothetical situation state directly targets religious practice noted slightly different context uch test basis precedent relegates serious first amendment value barest level minimum scrutiny equal protection clause already provides hobbie unemployment appeals florida quoting bowen roy concurring part dissenting part say person right free exercise burdened course mean absolute right engage conduct established first amendment jurisprudence recognized freedom act unlike freedom believe absolute see cantwell supra reynolds instead respected first amendment express textual mandate governmental interest regulation conduct requiring government justify substantial burden religiously motivated conduct compelling state interest means narrowly tailored achieve interest see hernandez commissioner hobbie supra lee thomas review bd indiana employment security mcdaniel paty plurality opinion yoder supra gillette sherbert verner see also bowen roy supra opinion concurring part dissenting part west virginia state bd ed barnette compelling interest test effectuates first amendment command religious liberty independent liberty occupies preferred position permit encroachments upon liberty whether direct indirect unless required clear compelling governmental interests highest order yoder supra especially important governmental interest pursued narrowly tailored means justify exacting sacrifice first amendment freedoms price equal share rights benefits privileges enjoyed citizens roy supra opinion concurring part dissenting part attempts support narrow reading clause claiming never held individual religious beliefs excuse compliance otherwise valid law prohibiting conduct state free regulate ante later notes must cases cantwell yoder fact interpreted free exercise clause forbid application generally applicable prohibition religiously motivated conduct see cantwell supra yoder indeed yoder expressly rejected interpretation adopts ur decisions rejected idea religiously grounded conduct always outside protection free exercise clause true activities individuals even religiously based often subject regulation exercise undoubted power promote health safety general welfare federal government exercise delegated powers agree religiously grounded conduct must often subject broad police power state deny areas conduct protected free exercise clause first amendment thus beyond power state control even regulations general applicability regulation neutral face may application nonetheless offend constitutional requirement government neutrality unduly burdens free exercise religion emphasis added citations omitted respondents course contend conduct automatically immune governmental regulation simply motivated sincere religious beliefs rejection argument ante might therefore regarded merely harmless dictum rather respondents invoke traditional compelling interest test argue free exercise clause requires state grant limited exemption general criminal prohibition possession peyote today however denies even opportunity make argument concluding sounder approach approach accord vast majority precedents hold compelling interest test inapplicable challenges general criminal prohibitions ante view however essence free exercise claim relief burden imposed government religious practices beliefs whether burden imposed directly laws prohibit compel specific religious practices indirectly laws effect make abandonment one religion conformity religious beliefs others price equal place civil community explained thomas state conditions receipt important benefit upon conduct proscribed religious faith denies benefit conduct mandated religious belief thereby putting substantial pressure adherent modify behavior violate beliefs burden upon religion exists indeed never distinguished cases state conditions receipt benefit conduct prohibited religious beliefs cases state affirmatively prohibits conduct sherbert compelling interest test applies kinds cases see lee applying sherbert uphold social security tax liability gillette applying sherbert uphold military conscription requirement yoder applying sherbert strike criminal convictions violation compulsory school attendance law noted bowen roy fact underlying dispute involves award benefits rather exaction penalties grant government license apply different version constitution fact appellees seek exemption precondition government attaches award benefits therefore generate meaningful distinction case one appellees seek exemption government imposition penalties upon opinion concurring part dissenting part legislatures course always left free reach actions violation social duties subversive good order reynolds see also yoder supra braunfeld yet close relationship conduct religious belief every case power regulate must exercised attaining permissible end unduly infringe protected freedom cantwell shown government regulation criminal prohibition burdens free exercise religion consistently asked government demonstrate unbending application regulation religious objector essential accomplish overriding governmental interest lee supra represents least restrictive means achieving compelling state interest thomas supra see braunfeld supra sherbert supra yoder supra roy opinion concurring part dissenting part sounder approach approach consistent role judges decide case individual merits apply test case determine whether burden specific plaintiffs us constitutionally significant whether particular criminal interest asserted state us compelling even empirical matter government criminal laws might usually serve compelling interest health safety public order first amendment least requires determination question sensitive facts particular claim cf mcdaniel plurality opinion noting application sherbert general criminal prohibitions delicate balancing required decisions sherbert yoder given range conduct state might legitimately make criminal assume merely law carries criminal sanctions generally applicable first amendment never requires state grant limited exemption religiously motivated conduct moreover rejected declined apply compelling interest test recent cases ante recent cases instead affirmed test fundamental part first amendment doctrine see hernandez hobbie supra rejecting chief justice burger suggestion roy supra free exercise claims assessed less rigorous reasonable means standard cases cited signal retreat consistent adherence compelling interest test bowen roy supra lyng northwest indian cemetery protective example expressly distinguished sherbert ground first amendment require government behave ways individual believes spiritual development free exercise clause simply understood require government conduct internal affairs ways comport religious beliefs particular citizens roy supra see lyng supra distinction makes sense free exercise clause written terms government individual terms individual exact government sherbert supra douglas concurring case sub judice like cases applied sherbert plainly falls former category apply established precedents facts case similarly cases cited proposition rejected application sherbert test outside unemployment compensation field ante distinguishable arose narrow specialized contexts traditionally required government justify burden religious conduct articulating compelling interest see goldman weinberger review military regulations challenged first amendment grounds far deferential constitutional review similar laws regulations designed civilian society estate shabazz rison regulations alleged infringe constitutional rights judged reasonableness test less restrictive ordinarily applied alleged infringements fundamental constitutional rights citation omitted apply compelling interest test cases says nothing whether test continue apply paradigm free exercise cases one presented today gives convincing reason depart settled first amendment jurisprudence nothing talismanic neutral laws general applicability general criminal prohibitions laws neutral toward religion coerce person violate religious conscience intrude upon religious duties effectively laws aimed religion although suggests compelling interest test applied generally applicable laws result constitutional anomaly ante first amendment unequivocally makes freedom religion like freedom race discrimination freedom speech constitutional anomaly ibid application established free exercise doctrine case necessarily incompatible equal protection cases cf rogers lodge law bears heavily one race another may violate equal protection citation omitted castaneda partida grand jury selection event recognized free exercise clause protects values distinct protected equal protection clause see hobbie language clause makes clear individual free exercise religion preferred constitutional activity see mcconnell accommodation religion rev text first amendment singles religion special protections kauper religion constitution law makes criminal activity therefore triggers constitutional concern heightened judicial scrutiny even target particular religious conduct issue free speech cases similarly recognize neutral regulations affect free speech values subject balancing rather categorical approach see renton playtime theatres cf anderson celebrezze generally applicable laws may impinge free association concerns parade horribles ante fails reason discarding compelling interest test instead demonstrates opposite courts quite capable applying free exercise jurisprudence strike sensible balances religious liberty competing state interests finally today suggests disfavoring minority religions unavoidable consequence system government accommodation religions must left political process ante view however first amendment enacted precisely protect rights whose religious practices shared majority may viewed hostility history free exercise doctrine amply demonstrates harsh impact majoritarian rule unpopular emerging religious groups jehovah witnesses amish indeed words justice jackson west virginia state bd ed barnette overruling minersville school dist gobitis apt purpose bill rights withdraw certain subjects vicissitudes political controversy place beyond reach majorities officials establish legal principles applied courts one right life liberty property free speech free press freedom worship assembly fundamental rights may submitted vote depend outcome elections iii holding today misreads settled first amendment precedent appears unnecessary case reach result applying established free exercise jurisprudence dispute oregon criminal prohibition peyote places severe burden ability respondents freely exercise religion peyote sacrament native american church regarded vital respondents ability practice religion see stewart peyote religion history describing modern status peyotism anderson peyote divine cactus describing peyote ceremonies teachings american earth indian religion philosophy tedlock tedlock eds see also people woody cal noted smith oregon concluded native american church recognized religion peyote sacrament church respondent beliefs sincerely held oregon law construed state highest members native american church must choose carrying ritual embodying religious beliefs avoidance criminal prosecution choice view sufficient trigger first amendment scrutiny also dispute oregon significant interest enforcing laws control possession use controlled substances citizens see sherbert religiously motivated conduct may regulated conduct pose substantial threat public safety peace order yoder ctivities individuals even religiously based often subject regulation exercise undoubted power promote health safety general welfare recently noted drug abuse one greatest problems affecting health welfare population thus one serious problems confronting society today treasury employees von raab indeed federal law incorporated oregon law relevant part see rev stat peyote specifically regulated schedule controlled substance means congress found high potential abuse currently accepted medical use lack accepted safety use drug medical supervision see see generally julien primer drug action ed light recent decisions holding governmental interests collection income tax hernandez comprehensive social security system see lee military conscription see gillette compelling respondents seriously dispute oregon compelling interest prohibiting possession peyote citizens thus critical question case whether exempting respondents state general criminal prohibition unduly interfere fulfillment governmental interest lee supra see also roy government must accommodate legitimate free exercise claim unless pursuing especially important interest narrowly tailored means yoder supra braunfeld although question close conclude uniform application oregon criminal prohibition essential accomplish lee supra overriding interest preventing physical harm caused use schedule controlled substance oregon criminal prohibition represents state judgment possession use controlled substances even one person inherently harmful dangerous health effects caused use controlled substances exist regardless motivation user use substances even religious purposes violates purpose laws prohibit cf state massey denying religious exemption municipal ordinance prohibiting handling poisonous reptiles appeal dism sub nom bunn north carolina moreover view societal interest preventing trafficking controlled substances uniform application criminal prohibition issue essential effectiveness oregon stated interest preventing possession peyote cf jacobson massachusetts denying exemption small pox vaccination requirement reasons believe granting selective exemption case seriously impair oregon compelling interest prohibiting possession peyote citizens circumstances free exercise clause require state accommodate respondents religiously motivated conduct see thomas unlike yoder noted record strongly indicates accommodating religious objections amish forgoing one two additional years compulsory education impair physical mental health child result inability discharge duties responsibilities citizenship way materially detract welfare society see also white concurring religious exemption case incompatible state interest controlling use possession illegal drugs respondents contend incompatibility belied fact federal government several provide exemptions religious use peyote see cfr citing state statutes expressly exempt sacramental peyote use criminal proscription governments may surely choose grant exemption without oregon specific asserted interest uniform application drug laws required first amendment respondents also note sacramental use peyote central tenets native american church agree ante within judicial ken question centrality particular beliefs practices faith quoting hernandez supra determination constitutionality oregon general criminal prohibition turn centrality particular religious practice issue mean course courts may make factual findings whether claimant holds sincerely held religious belief conflicts thus burdened challenged law distinction questions centrality questions sincerity burden admittedly fine one established part free exercise doctrine see ballard one courts capable making see tony susan alamo foundation secretary labor therefore adhere established free exercise jurisprudence hold state case compelling interest regulating peyote use citizens accommodating respondents religiously motivated conduct unduly interfere fulfillment governmental interest lee supra accordingly concur judgment although justice brennan justice marshall justice blackmun join parts ii opinion concur judgment justice blackmun justice brennan justice marshall join dissenting years painstakingly developed consistent exacting standard test constitutionality state statute burdens free exercise religion statute may stand law general state refusal allow religious exemption particular justified compelling interest served less restrictive means today thought settled inviolate principle first amendment jurisprudence majority however perfunctorily dismisses constitutional anomaly ante carefully detailed justice concurring opinion ante majority able arrive view mischaracterizing precedents discards leading free exercise cases cantwell connecticut wisconsin yoder hybrid ante views traditional free exercise analysis somehow inapplicable criminal prohibitions opposed conditions receipt benefits state laws general applicability opposed presumably laws expressly single religious practices ante cites cases due various exceptional circumstances found strict scrutiny inapposite hint repudiated standard altogether ante short effectuates wholesale overturning settled law concerning religion clauses constitution one hopes aware consequences result product overreaction serious problems country drug crisis generated distorted view precedents leads majority conclude strict scrutiny state law burdening free exercise religion luxury society afford ante repression minority religions unavoidable consequence democratic government ante believe founders thought dearly bought freedom religious persecution luxury essential element liberty thought religious intolerance unavoidable drafted religion clauses precisely order avoid intolerance reasons agree justice analysis applicable free exercise doctrine join parts ii opinion points critical question case whether exempting respondents state general criminal prohibition unduly interfere fulfillment governmental interest ante quoting lee disagree however specific answer question weighing clear interest respondents smith black hereinafter respondents free exercise religion oregon asserted interest enforcing drug laws important articulate precise terms state interest involved state broad interest fighting critical war drugs must weighed respondents claim state narrow interest refusing make exception religious ceremonial use peyote see bowen roy concurring part dissenting part consistently asked government demonstrate unbending application regulation religious objector essential accomplish overriding governmental interest quoting lee thomas review bd indiana employment security focus inquiry concerning state asserted interest must properly narrowed yoder fundamental claims religious freedom stake accept state sweeping claim interest compulsory education compelling despite validity interest generality cases must searchingly examine interests state seeks promote impediment objectives flow recognizing claimed amish exemption failure reduce competing interests plane generality tends distort weighing process state favor see clark guidelines free exercise clause harv rev purpose almost law traced back one another fundamental concerns government public health safety public peace order defense revenue measure individual interest directly one rarified values inevitably makes individual interest appear less significant pound survey social interests harv rev comes weighing valuing claims demands respect claims demands must careful compare plane else may decide question advance way putting state interest enforcing prohibition order sufficiently compelling outweigh free exercise claim merely abstract symbolic state plausibly assert unbending application criminal prohibition essential fulfill compelling interest fact attempt enforce prohibition case state actually evinced concrete interest enforcing drug laws religious users peyote oregon never sought prosecute respondents claim made significant enforcement efforts religious users peyote state asserted interest thus amounts symbolic preservation unenforced prohibition government interest symbolism even symbolism worthy cause abolition unlawful drugs treasury employees von raab scalia dissenting suffice abrogate constitutional rights individuals similarly prior decisions allowed government rely mere speculation potential harms demanded evidentiary support refusal allow religious exception see thomas rejecting state reasons refusing religious exemption lack evidence record yoder rejecting state argument concerning dangers religious exemption speculative unsupported record sherbert verner proof whatever warrant fears state advance case state justification refusing recognize exception criminal laws religious peyote use entirely speculative state proclaims interest protecting health safety citizens dangers unlawful drugs offers however evidence religious use peyote ever harmed anyone factual findings courts cast doubt state assumption religious use peyote harmful see state whittingham app state failed prove quantities peyote used sacraments native american church sufficiently harmful health welfare participants permit legitimate intrusion state police power people woody cal attorney general admits opinion scientists experts peyote works permanent deleterious injury indian fact peyote classified schedule controlled substance show uses peyote circumstance inherently harmful dangerous federal government created classifications unlawful drugs oregon drug laws derived apparently find peyote dangerous preclude exemption religious use moreover schedule drugs lawful uses see olsen drug enforcement app medical research uses marijuana carefully circumscribed ritual context respondents used peyote far removed irresponsible unrestricted recreational use unlawful drugs native american church internal restrictions supervision members use peyote substantially obviate state health safety concerns see administrator drug enforcement administration dea finds native american church use peyote isolated specific ceremonial occasions accommodation made religious organization uses peyote circumscribed ceremonies quoting dea final order members native american church use peyote outside ritual sacrilegious woody cal use peyote nonreligious purposes sacrilegious julien primer drug action ed eyote seldom abused members native american church slotkin peyote way teachings american earth tedlock tedlock eds native american church refuses permit presence curiosity seekers rites vigorously opposes sale use peyote purposes bergman navajo peyote use apparent safety psychiatry bergman moreover yoder values interests seeking religious exemption case congruent great degree state seeks promote drug laws see yoder since amish accept formal schooling grade provide ideal vocational education state interest enforcing law amish less substantial children generally white concurring church doctrine forbid nonreligious use peyote also generally advocates familial responsibility abstinence alcohol see brief association american indian affairs et al amici curiae church ethical code four parts brotherly love care family avoidance alcohol quoting church membership card olsen app native american church purposes special stylized ceremony reinforced state prohibition woody cal ost anthropological authorities hold peyotism positive rather negative force lives adherents church forbids use alcohol considerable evidence spiritual social support provided church effective combating tragic effects alcoholism native american population two noted experts peyotism omer stewart robert bergman testified affidavit effect behalf respondent smith employment appeal board smith exh see also anderson peyote divine cactus research bergman suggests religious use peyote seemed directed direction emphasis interpersonal relationships individual assured significance well support group many people come difficult crises help religion provides real help seeing people whose place way world gone people whose way strong enough change meet new challenges quoting bergman pascarosa futterman ethnopsychedelic therapy alcoholics observations peyote ritual native american church psychedelic drugs religious peyote use helpful overcoming alcoholism albaugh anderson peyote treatment alcoholism among american indians psychiatry philosophy teachings format native american church great benefit indian alcoholic see generally stewart peyote religion et seq noting frequent observations across many tribes periods history correlation peyotist religion abstinence alcohol far promoting lawless irresponsible use drugs native american church members spiritual code exemplifies values oregon drug laws presumably intended foster state also seeks support refusal make exception religious use peyote invoking interest abolishing drug trafficking however practically illegal traffic peyote see olsen app quoting dea final order effect total amount peyote seized analyzed federal authorities pounds contrast total amount marijuana seized period million pounds also availability peyote religious use even oregon allow exemption criminal laws still strictly controlled federal regulations see registration requirements distribution controlled substances cfr distribution peyote native american church subject registration requirements state texas state peyote grows significant quantities see texas health safety code ann pamphlet texas admin code tit pt ch controlled substances regulations woody cal peyote found rio grande valley texas northern mexico peyote simply popular drug distribution use religious rituals nothing vast violent traffic illegal narcotics plagues country finally state argues granting exception religious peyote use erode interest uniform fair certain enforcement drug laws state fears grants exemption religious peyote use flood claims religious exemptions follow placed dilemma says allowing patchwork exemptions hinder law enforcement efforts risking violation establishment clause arbitrarily limiting religious exemptions argument however made almost free exercise case see lupu rights begin problem burdens free exercise religion harv rev behind every free exercise claim spectral march grant one voice whispers judge confronted endless chain exemption demands religious deviants every stripe however consistently rejected similar arguments past free exercise cases well see frazee illinois dept employment security rejecting state speculation concerning cumulative effect many similar claims thomas sherbert state apprehension flood religious claims purely speculative almost half federal government maintained exemption religious peyote use many years apparently found overwhelmed claims religious exemptions allowing exemption religious peyote use necessarily oblige state grant similar exemption religious groups unusual circumstances make religious use peyote compatible state interests health safety preventing drug trafficking apply religious claims religions example might restrict drug use limited ceremonial context native american church see olsen app ethiopian zion coptic church teaches marijuana properly smoked continually day religious claims see supra involve drugs marijuana heroin significant illegal traffic attendant greed violence difficult grant religious exemption without seriously compromising law enforcement efforts state might grant exemption religious peyote use deny religious claims arising different circumstances violate establishment clause though state must treat religions equally favor one another obligation fulfilled uniform application compelling interest test free exercise claims reaching uniform results claims showing religious peyote use unduly interfere state interests one probably religious groups sects make yoder mean exemption limited peyote use tantamount establishment religion see hobbie unemployment appeals government may sometimes must accommodate religious practices may without violating establishment clause yoder must ignore danger exception general law may run afoul establishment clause danger allowed prevent exception matter vital may protection values promoted right free exercise ii finally although agree justice courts refrain delving questions whether matter religious doctrine particular practice central religion ante think means courts must turn blind eye severe impact state restrictions adherents minority religion cf yoder since education inseparable part basic tenets religion baptism confessional sabbath may others enforcement state compulsory education law gravely endanger destroy free exercise respondents religious beliefs respondents believe sincerity never issue peyote plant embodies deity eating act worship communion without peyote enact essential ritual religion see brief association american indian affairs et al amici curiae members peyote consecrated powers heal body mind spirit teacher teaches way spiritual life living harmony balance forces creation rituals integral part life process embody form worship sacrament peyote means communicating great spirit see also stewart peyote religion description peyote ritual hillerman people darkness description navajo peyote ritual oregon constitutionally prosecute act worship like amish may forced migrate tolerant region yoder potentially devastating impact must viewed light federal policy reached reaction many years religious persecution intolerance protecting religious freedom native americans see american indian religious freedom act stat ed shall policy protect preserve american indians inherent right freedom believe express exercise traditional religions including limited access sites use possession sacred objects freedom worship ceremonials traditional rites congress recognized certain substances peyote religious significance sacred power heal necessary exercise rites religion necessary cultural integrity tribe therefore religious survival american indian religious freedom act may create rights enforceable government action restricting religious freedom must scrupulously apply free exercise analysis religious claims native americans however unorthodox may otherwise first amendment stated policy congress offer native americans merely unfulfilled hollow promise iii reasons conclude oregon interest enforcing drug laws religious use peyote sufficiently compelling outweigh respondents right free exercise religion since state constitutionally enforce criminal prohibition respondents interests underlying state drug laws justify denial unemployment benefits absent justification state regulatory interest denying benefits religiously motivated misconduct see ante indistinguishable state interests rejected frazee hobbie thomas sherbert state oregon consistently free exercise clause deny respondents unemployment benefits dissent see hernandez commissioner free exercise inquiry asks whether government placed substantial burden observation central religious belief practice whether compelling governmental interest justifies burden hobbie unemployment appeals state laws burdening religions must subjected strict scrutiny justified proof state compelling interest bowen roy concurring part dissenting part precedents long required government show compelling state interest served refusal grant religious exemption lee state may justify limitation religious liberty showing essential accomplish overriding governmental interest thomas review bd indiana employment security state may justify inroad religious liberty showing least restrictive means achieving compelling state interest wisconsin yoder nly interests highest order otherwise served overbalance legitimate claims free exercise religion sherbert verner question whether compelling state interest justifies substantial infringement appellant first amendment right reluctantly agree light decision employment division dept human resources smith question certiorari granted properly presented case grave doubts however wisdom propriety deciding constitutionality criminal prohibition state sought enforce state rely defending denial unemployment benefits state courts oregon courts remand either invalidate state constitutional grounds conclude remains irrelevant oregon interest administering unemployment benefits program surprising say least often prides principles judicial restraint reduction federal control matters state law stretch jurisdiction limit order reach abstract setting constitutionality oregon criminal prohibition peyote use reported case state oregon sought prosecute person religious peyote use state soto app cert denied dearth evidence surprising since state never asserted health safety interest oregon courts thus opportunity factfinding concerning alleged dangers peyote use become state principal argument view criminal prohibition enforceable religious use peyote rests evidentiary foundation see cfr listing peyote controlled substance schedule apply nondrug use peyote bona fide religious ceremonies native american church members native american church using peyote exempt registration person manufactures peyote distributes peyote native american church however required obtain registration annually comply requirements law see olsen drug enforcement app explaining dea rationale exception moreover including many significant native american populations statutory judicially crafted exemptions drug laws religious use peyote see case although prove oregon must exception significant federal government find presumably compelling interests controlling use dangerous drugs compatible exemption religious use peyote cf boos barry finding ordinance restricting picketing near foreign embassy least restrictive means serving asserted government interest existence analogous narrowly drawn federal statute showed less restrictive alternative readily available respect respondents use peyote seems closely analogous sacramental use wine roman catholic church prohibition federal government exempted use wine general ban possession use alcohol see national prohibition act title ii stat however compelling government general interest prohibiting use alcohol may plausibly asserted interest sufficiently compelling outweigh catholics right take communion use peyote degree peyote plant extremely bitter eating unpleasant experience tend discourage casual recreational use see state whittingham app eyote cause vomiting reason bitter taste anderson peyote divine cactus eating peyote usually difficult ordeal nausea unpleasant physical manifestations occur regularly repeated use likely therefore one serious researcher devoutly involved taking peyote part religious ceremony slotkin peyote way teachings american earth tedlock tedlock eds find bitter inducing indigestion nausea years various sects raised free exercise claims regarding drug use reported case except involving claims religious peyote use claimant prevailed see olsen iowa marijuana use ethiopian zion coptic church rush cert denied middleton cert denied hudson marijuana heroin use moslems cert denied leary marijuana use hindu rev grounds commonwealth nissenbaum mass marijuana use ethiopian zion coptic church state blake haw app marijuana use practice hindu tantrism whyte app marijuana use rastafarian state rocheleau marijuana use tantric buddhist state brashear marijuana use nondenominational christian state randall mo app marijuana lsd hashish use aquarian brotherhood church see generally annotation free exercise religion defense prosecution narcotic psychedelic drug offense supp thus case distinguishable lee concluded principled way distinguish exemption claims tax system function denominations allowed challenge tax system tax payments spent manner violates religious belief see federal agencies task force report congress american indian religious freedom act pp history religious persecution barsh illusion religious freedom indigenous americans rev indeed oregon attitude toward respondents religious peyote use harkens back repressive federal policies pursued century ago government view traditional practices morally degrading unhealthy indians fond gatherings every description public health study complained advocating restriction dances sings stem contagious diseases commissioner indian affairs charles burke reminded staff punish indian engaged dance involves reckless giving away property frequent prolonged periods celebration fact disorderly plainly excessive performance promotes superstitious cruelty licentiousness idleness danger health shiftless indifference family welfare two years later forbid indians age participating dances kind directed federal employees educate public opinion footnotes omitted