CHAPTER 2 THE RELIGION CLAUSES

• Jurisdiction: Oregon

Chapter 2 THE RELIGION CLAUSES

Charles F. Hinkle, B.A., Stanford University (1964); M.Div., Union Theological Seminary (1968); J.D., Yale Law School (1971); member of the Oregon State Bar since 1971; retired partner, Stoel Rives LLP, Portland.

§2.1 INTRODUCTION.....................................................................2-3

§2.2 ARTICLE I, SECTIONS 2 AND 3: FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE AND RELIGIOUS OPINION.........................2-3

§2.2-1 The Oregon Supreme Court Interprets Article I, Sections 2 and 3, Independently of the First Amendment...................................................................2-3

§2.2-2 Article I, Sections 2 and 3, Restrict Governmental Action, Not Private Conduct................2-5

§2.2-3 Article I, Sections 2 and 3, Protect Religion and Irreligion Alike .............................................................2-5

§2.2-3(a) Equality: Government May Not Treat One Religion or Religious Organization Differently from Another.................................. 2-5

§2.2-3(b) Neutrality: Government May Not Treat Religion Differently from Irreligion.................2-7

§2.2-3(c) Neutrality: Government Can Apply Neutral Laws That Burden Free Exercise of Religion .......................................... 2-7

§2.2-3(d) Neutrality: A Nonneutral Statute May Be Upheld if It Helps Achieve the Goal of Neutrality......................................................2-9

§2.2-4 The Oregon Supreme Court Applies a Balancing Test in Determining Whether Governmental Action Violates Article I, Sections 2 and 3..........................................................2-11

§2.2-4(a) The Early Years: The Court Adopts a Balancing Test................................................. 2-11

§2.2-4(b) The Court Casts Doubt on a Balancing Test ..................................................................2-11

§2.2-4(c) The Court Reverts to a Balancing Test...........2-13

§2.3 ARTICLE I, SECTION 4: NO RELIGIOUS TEST FOR OFFICE...........................................................................2-15

§2.4...