The notion of a separation between Church and State has long been perceived to exist within the Establishment Clause of the 1st Amendment. This interpretation has been upheld on numerous occasions by the Supreme Court.
However, since the words “separation of Church and State” are not overtly phrased in the Constitution, many have argued that the Establishment Clause’s vague language means only than that the government may not establish its own religion. This belief has been used to justify erecting religious symbols on public buildings, as well as passing laws based solely on religious beliefs. In a nation that champions equality, permitting these acts to continue is clearly wrong.
This amendment will reaffirm that our government is secular, and provides protection for all its citizens.