United States Supreme Court (1978) in the case of McDaniel v. Paty, 435 U.S. 618 at 641 (1978), gave its opinion:
<The Establishment Clause does not license government to treat religion, and those who teach or practice it, simply by virtue of their status as such, as subversive of American ideals and therefore subject to unique disabilities....
In short, government may not as a goal promote "safe-thinking" with respect to religion and fence out from political participation those, such as ministers, whom it regards as over-involved in religion.
Religionists no less than members of any other group enjoy the full measure of protection afforded speech, association, and political activity generally. The Establishment Clause, properly understood, is a shield against any attempt by government to inhibit religion....It may not be used as a sword to
justify repression of religion or its adherents from any aspect of public life.> 1978US001
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American Quotations by William J. Federer, 2024, All Rights Reserved, Permission granted to use with acknowledgement.
1978US001. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). United States Supreme Court, 1978, in the case of McDaniel vs. Paty, 435 U.S. 618 at 641 (1978).