Document: 476 U.S. 693 106 S.Ct. 2147 90 L.Ed.2d 735 Otis R. BOWEN, Secretary of Health and Human Services, et al., Appellantsv.Stephen J. ROY al. No. 84-780. Argued Jan. 14, 1986. Decided June 11, Syllabus Appellees applied for received benefits under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program Food Stamp program. They refused, however, comply federal statutory requirements that participants in those programs furnish state welfare agencies who administer their Social Security numbers each member household as a condition receiving benefits, agency utilize administering programs. contended obtaining number 2-year-old daughter would violate Native American religious beliefs. Thereafter, Pennsylvania Department Public Welfare terminated AFDC payable appellees on child's behalf instituted proceedings reduce level food stamps appellees' was receiving. then filed an action Federal District Court, claiming Free Exercise Clause First Amendment entitled them exemption from requirements, requesting injunctive other relief. Following trial which it disclosed child had fact been assigned number, court held public interest maintaining efficient fraud-resistant system could be met without requiring child. The enjoined Services using disseminating issued name also defendants denying until 16th birthday, because refusal provide her. Held: judgment is vacated, case remanded. 590 F.Supp. 600, vacated Chief Justice BURGER delivered opinion Court respect Parts I II, concluding requirement question does not Clause. That affords individual protection certain forms governmental compulsion but afford right dictate conduct Government's internal procedures. use itself impair freedom exercise religion. Pp. 699-701. BURGER, joined by POWELL REHNQUIST, concluded Part III applicants eligibility facially neutral terms, applies all involved, clearly promotes legitimate important interest. Preventing fraud these benefit goal, reasonable means promoting goal. Government regulation indirectly incidentally calls choice between securing adherence beliefs wholly different or legislation criminalizes religiously inspired activity compels some find objectionable reasons. 701-712. C.J., announced BRENNAN, MARSHALL, BLACKMUN, POWELL, STEVENS, JJ., O'CONNOR, joined, III, joined. J., concurring part, post, p. 712. part result, 716. dissenting BRENNAN 724. WHITE, opinion, 733. Kenneth S. Geller, Washington, D.C., appellants. Gary Gildin, Carlisle, Pa., appellees. REHNQUIST join. 1 presented whether amendment accommodate based objection provided applicant seeking receive States 2 * Stephen Roy Karen Miller refused comply, requirement, contained 42 U.S.C. § 602(a)(25)1 7 2025(e), members benefits. daughter, Little Bird Snow, thereafter medical this against Welfare, Agriculture, arguing requirement. In complaint, stated "[t]he sole basis" denial "Mr. Roy's obtain Number Snow," thus requested relief, damages, statement "undisputed facts," parties agreed Snow did have number. 3 At trial, testified he recently developed Snow.2 descended Abenaki Tribe, asserts belief control over one's life essential spiritual purity indispensable "becoming holy person." Based recent conversations chief, believes technology "robbing spirit man." order prepare his greater power, therefore, must keep her person unique uniqueness identifier, coupled uses she has no control, will serve "rob spirit" prevent attaining power. 4 For purposes determining breadth concerns, judge raised possibility phonetics daughter's derive Although saw "a lot good" suggestion, special still apply uniquely identify satisfied even if Administration appended full tribal 5 own testimony, emphasized evil flow simply number.3 On last day officer inquired already number; learned assigned—under first "Little," middle "Bird "Roy." 6 at point suggested become moot because, beliefs, Snow's "robbed." Roy, recalled stand robbed only "use" Since known yet made, expressed damaged. regarding See v. Cohen, 605 (MD Pa.1984) (finding 33) ("Roy establishment social security more, 'robbed spirit,' widespread governments computer systems effect"). After hearing denied request damages granted testimony experts obvious many people share names, found "[u]tilization recipient alone frequently sufficient ensure proper payment benefits." nevertheless "interest resistant can elaborating: 8 "It appears harm might suffer [appellees] prevailed be, worst, one perhaps few individuals fraudulently Such result (1) attempted someone else such (2) identification procedures available Defendants do require utilization failed expose fraud. This remote." Id., 612-613. 9 Citing our decision United Lee, 455 252, 102 1051, 71 127 (1982), entered injunction containing two basic components. First, "permanently restrained making any agency, individual, business entity, third party." Second, were birthday cash assistance, "because [appellees'] her." 10 We noted probable jurisdiction, 472 1016, 105 3474, 87 611 (1985), we vacate remand. II 11 raise constitutional challenge features scheme here.4 object Congress' plan "must . (A) that, plan, aid shall State account number." 602(a)(25) (emphasis added). "such administration plan." Ibid. added).5 analyze contentions, turning latter contention first. 12 Our cases long recognized distinction belief, absolute, conduct, absolute. implicates concern. objects "shall utilize" places restriction what may believe do, spirit. 13 Never knowledge interpreted behave ways further development family. cannot understood its affairs comport particular citizens. Just insist engage set form observance, so demand join chosen practices refraining daughter. "[T]he written terms government extract government." Sherbert Verner, 374 398, 412, 83 1790, 1798, 965 (1963) (Douglas, concurring). 14 As more prevail than sincere size color filing cabinets. compulsion; 15 points out, eight years ago Congress passed Joint Resolution concerning Indian provides guidance case. currently codified, provides: 16 "On after August 1978, policy 17 protect preserve Indians inherent believe, express, traditional religions Indian, Eskimo, Aleut, Hawaiians, including limited access sites, possession sacred objects, worship through ceremonials rites." 1996. 18 Resolution—with emphasis protecting religion—accurately identifies mission itself. degree "freedom exercise" religion.S6 consequently, merit. It follows processing applications should rejected. therefore hold portion Court's permanently vacated. 19 challenges added).7 Amendment's guarantee "Congress make law prohibiting free religion holds place ordered liberty, steadfastly maintained claims conviction automatically entitle fix unilaterally conditions dealings Government. Not burdens are unconstitutional. Reynolds States, 98 145, Otto 25 L.Ed. 244 (1879). treated Lee: 20 "To maintain organized society guarantees great variety faiths requires yield common good. Religious accommodated, there accommodation 'radically restrict operating latitude legislature.' " U.S., 259, S.Ct., 1056. 21 uniformly applicable. There claim attempt discriminate invidiously covert suppression administrative create danger censorship8 direct burden dissemination views.9 intrude organization institution10 school.11 indeed confront choices, sense affirmatively compel appellees, threat sanctions, refrain motivated conduct12 they reasons.13 Rather, seek assert excused compliance binding persons same 22 far removed historical instances persecution intolerance gave concern drafted Amendment. generally M. Malbin, Religion Politics: Intentions Authors (1978). unmindful importance today value sincerely However, while ignore reality applicable statute face different, less intrusive nature affirmative prohibition, penal implications. 23 revealed opinions. Decisions rejecting often recited mere constitute infringement liberty. Hamilton Regents University California, 293 245, 55 197, 79 343 (1934), example, rejected students military courses required curriculum, explaining: 24 "The able pay way university institution California significance upon here involved. called attend university. education offered time insisting excluded prescribed course solely grounds conscientious objections war. ." 262, 204.14 upholding challenges, hand, relied showing West Virginia Bd. Ed. Barnette, 319 624, 63 1178, 1628 (1943), distinguished earlier holding upheld flag salute requirement: 26 "Here dealing declare belief. issue prejudiced previous where State, compelling attendance, extends college facilities pupils voluntarily enroll, prescribe training offense Constitution. take advantage opportunities ground conscience refuse conditions. Regents, 245 [55 343]. present attendance optional." 631-632, 1182.15 27 relating Abington School Schempp, 203, 1560, 844 (1963): 28 results Barnette attributable difference strength interests respective statutes designed serve. Far significant dealt voluntary young adults, involved compelled children elementary secondary schools. warrants results." 252-253, 1587 (footnote omitted). 29 repeatedly distinction: Bob Jones 461 574, 603-604, 103 2017, 2034-35, 76 157 (1983), observed "[d]enial tax inevitably substantial impact operation private schools, schools observing tenets."16 30 conclude inescapably serious problems, very governed standard. A liberty insulated review indirect, Thomas Review Board Indiana Employment Div., 450 707, 717-718, 101 1425, 1432, 67 624 (1981) (citing 404, 1794); relevant standard meet justify burden. 31 general buttress conclusion. Governments grant broad range benefits; complex restrictions. situations mechanism consideration created, wishes treat alike wish case-by-case inquiries into genuineness restrictions deference. Moreover, implicated need avoid appearance favoring nonreligious applicants. 32 test like Wisconsin Yoder, 406 205, 92 1526, (1972), appropriate setting. enforcement reaching millions people, wide latitude. put strict Court; least restrictive accomplishing interest.17 Absent proof intent general, meets when demonstrates challenged uniform application, 33 reject affirmance. eligible unemployment compensation if, "without good cause," quit work work. "good cause" created individualized exemptions. If creates mechanism, extend instance hardship suggests discriminatory intent. Thus, urged Thomas, consider resignation tends exhibit hostility, neutrality, towards Brief Petitioner 15, Jewish Amicus Curiae O.T.1979, 79-952. Sherbert, supra, 401-402, n. 4, 1792-93, 4; 264, 3, 1059, (STEVENS, judgment) (Thomas viewed "as unequal treatment rather favored sect"). cases, demonstrate reason exemption. 34 Here nothing whatever suggesting antagonism made provision exemptions question. Indeed, contrary, specified number," added), "[s]tate require, participation stamp program, 2025(e) Nor relics past; mandatory 1981. Compare 2025(f) (1976 ed., Supp. IV) (State "may" number), (States "shall" furnished). extended several verifying Deficit Reduction Act 1984, Pub.L. 98-369, 2651(a), Stat. 1147. 35 No doubt preventing Representative Richmond explained support bill program: 36 "We know however generously Americans resources poor enable survive, understandably being abused wasted. 37 want run efficiently error-free possible. 38 recipients constantly aware tolerate disclose earnings accurately, underreporting assistance efforts evade attempts dollars intended completely satisfy stringent forth sections 1977 tightened year bill." Cong.Rec. 24783 (1981). 39 think plain truly staggering magnitude. Each roughly 3.8 million families $7.8 billion federally funded $11 stamps. largest domestic today, distributing approximately $51 monthly recipients. Because tremendous problems associated managing size, 40 "Social used determination properly paid duplication failure payment. Utilization 41 numerical identifiers pervasively used, track longer past abuses existence identifier ferreting out fraudulent "matching" techniques. One investigation, "Project Match," compared employee files Medicaid determine employees improperly. Data examined, 9,000 identified duplicate payments. While undoubtedly escapes detection spite investigations, President's Private Sector Survey Cost Control, popularly "Grace Commission," reported matching "is most cost-effective tool verification investigation prevention fraud, waste abuse." Management Office Selected Issues—Information Gap (1984). techniques illustrated facts "efficient [matching] F.Supp., 606. exempting "one obtain[ing] benefits," id., 612, prospect termed "remote." 613. assessment probability seems quite dubious.18 But event, obligating slight risk individuals" combat risk. particularly insistence works demonstrable disadvantage 43 before, given diversity pluralistic necessity providing latitude, incidental restraints inescapable. matter legislative policy, legislature decide accommodations awarding benefits,19 "[b]ut wisdom limitation." Braunfeld Brown, 366 599, 608, 81 1144, 1148, 563 (1961) (plurality opinion). 44 45 ordered. 46 part. 47 THE CHIEF JUSTICE. 48 1983, sued deprive parents' birthday. App. Juris. Statement 25a. 49 agree erred enjoining easy understand rationale injunction: argue plausibly active choose physical sustenance dictates faith, dilemma initial themselves supply Snow. Cf. 1794, (1963). absent interest, acting development. 50 argument facial appeal, conclude, reasons stretches too far. Consequently, enjoins remainder remand proceedings, once aside, unclear record presently before us justiciable controversy remains rest relief Court. evidently objected primarily Govern ment injury redressed holds, pre-existing possible, independent forced cooperate actively applications. 257, 1055, (1982); 711, 1427-28, 51 my view, ambiguous score. rendered moot, "feels and, end, Snow." 608 Pa.1984). referred included Miller, just extensive And meant refer Government, clear 52 objection, vacating ways. Regardless unwilling assurance application trigger Conversely, possible welcome display reasonableness, since resupply it.1 53 well render unnecessary discussion constitutionally behalf, said us. nonetheless address it, partly seen fit so, kind difficult deciding except absolutely necessary. see 726-732, straightforward (1972).2 proves necessary reach remand, O'CONNOR determined deny convictions supplying 54 result. Members Tribe unquestionably "prohibiting adherents faiths.1 sincerity not, relieve duty precise character parents advanced. claim, first, Snow; second, allowance 56 join, fail give method recordkeeping. second submit, either ripe decision. 57 current posture claims, emphasize extremely unusual feature outset litigation, assumed—indeed, stipulated to—a critical discovered inaccurate trial. believed found, now agree, birth. contrary central parties' perception it. 58 threatened withdrawal framed affirm "determining appellant's ineligible Medical Assistance appellant her."2 Bird's alleged Snow,"3 number.4 summary judgment, began "have two-year-old doing beliefs."5 counsel introduced emphasizing unlike family, exposed represents.6 number.7 response questions, official inquired, during recess, birth.8 59 discovery dramatic review. apparent basis dispute, moot.9 responded changing asking cancellation existing number.10 60 Concluding case,11 injunction—the considering—contains party."12 Plaintiffs' her."13 Of course, granted, impediment previously denied. 61 comes us, decided effectively canceling established dispute. correctly err "the vacated." Ante, 701. Having held, pause addressed. For, demonstrates, "providing" pose problems. 62 Once routine payments soon existed, perceives difficulty future. prevented becoming asserted canceled resolved, Neither nor pointed anything obligation "provide" Even makes unsupported assumption future, conspicuous lack evidence findings extent impose finds information pertinent forms. 64 absence significant. Current regulations suggest difficulties issue,14 mental, physical, linguistic handicaps completion forms,15 steps process.16 To are, fact, exceptions inability information, seem disadvantaged relation claims.17 65 These considerations highlight surely ripe. case, litigated, bears resemblance abstract about seeks has. 66 Consistent longstanding principles adjudication, actually dispose dispute Court,18 fairly factual findings.19 cannot, concur injunction. how interesting, answers appear hypothetical questions debated JUSTICE case.20 whom MARSHALL 68 JUSTICE's 69 pursue actions possession, assign connection Accordingly, 70 all, overbroad possession. ante, 699-701 (opinion JJ.); 716-717 result); 713 (BLACKMUN, part); supra page. logical next step moot. Only is, 720-723 result) (stating ripe); 714-716 part) (District moot). JUSTICE, 701-702, 7, 72 "from Plaintiff 24a. injunction, continue live controversy. Mr. sought "restrai[ns Government] Number." Record, Doc. 65, Proposed Orders Submitted 1-2. refuses concede though possess Solicitor General "advised assigns [Social numbers] decline complete application." Appellants 46, 19. contests despite acknowledgment objections, press suit. overbroad, overturn improperly substantive standards 73 Given majority disseminate probably remaining eye. served accommodating certainly pursue. 74 goal abuse system, both laudable compelling. soundly assertion abuse. Among "cross-matching," various computerized lists rolls detect unreported income, claimed household, practices. 606-607 appears, wants erroneous use, cross-matching "more difficult" numbers, file performed, recipient's name, date birth, names systems." 607. generalized evaluation indispensability similarly undermines here: 75 government's num- ber Faced facts, invoke new validity 707-708. He uphold shows rule interest." precedent relegates barest minimal scrutiny Equal Protection provides. line precedents unless pursuing especially narrowly tailored means. stated: 77 "Where receipt proscribed denies mandated thereby putting pressure adherent modify behavior exists." 78 acknowledge involves compulsion. 704 ("[W]e involved"). Bd., 1932; 403-406, 1793-95, shown religion, "only highest otherwise over-balance religion." 215, 1533, (1972). consistently asked unbending objector accomplish overriding interest," 257-258, represents achieving 718, 1432. 607, (1961); 406, 1795. pursued exacting sacrifice freedoms price equal rights, privileges enjoyed 80 Granting handful others expected similar conjunction demonstrably diminish ability appellants hardly likely "There four involving violates recipient." 82 (refusing taxation); Gillette 401 437, 91 828, 168 (1971) involuntary service). invite encourage performed remote Court: would-be lawbreakers arousing suspicion few. undisputed. apply. analysis. case: 84 stake [T]he fundamental, eradicating racial discrimination education—discrimination prevailed, approval, 165 Nation's history. substantially outweighs petitioners' petitioners accommodated [455 U.S.,] 259-260 [102 1056]; 'less means,' [450 718 [101 1432], achieve 604, 2035 (footnotes 85 603, 2034 (" 'The limitation interest' ") added) (quoting 1055). adopt interest/rational propounded continued show pursuit addition, balanced merely Here, although concededly efficiency refusing exempt furnishing sorely wanting, conclusion resulting plausible. Surely willing weight scourge mean unanchored anxieties bureaucracy. 86 fails construction test. When Hamilton, applied, apply, States. Cantwell Connecticut, 310 296, 900, 1213 (1940). university's analysis Fourteenth State's deprived "life, property." 261-262, 204. deprivation "ha[d] [the individuals] [war]." opinions never turned slender reed "reasonable 708 C.J.). added inconvenience selective overbalances exercise. 408-409, 1796-97. clear, essentially imposed 88 rested vague allegations fisc unsubstantiated consistent precedents, distinguish indisputably imposes constraints government. five outcome 716 733 (WHITE, dissenting); 728-730. 89 decisions claims—that "it Government," 703 —has directly underlying award exaction penalties license version Constitution: "[Welfare] entitlement qualified them. Their termination adjudicates rights. answered 'a "privilege" "right." ' Shapiro Thompson, 394 618, 627 [89 1322, 1327 6, 600] (1969). Relevant much disqualification compensation, 398 [83 965] Goldberg Kelly, 397 254, 1011, 1017, 287 (1970) 1794 ("It late liberties expression infringed placing privilege"). precondition attaches generate meaningful imposition Founding Fathers "broad benefits" "complex programs" administers 707 C.J.), constructed Constitution placed express limits limiting society's members. rise fall easily needs exemption, chose prevail. granting legitimately 93 94 dissenting. 95 Being view (1981), (1963), judgment. existed amended, retained virtually identical form. numbers. obtained 5-year-old Renee prior "[Q.] you explain why your native Abenaki? "A. Yes. felt rob power serves purposes. It's her; her, that's offends try unique, we're scared lose herself 85. argument—that constitutes illegal national origin. 2000d; 2011. contain quoted text. 2025(e). views accept conduct. See, e.g., supra. Clause, generally, recognize distinction; adjudication Constitution, individual's frame reference. light suggestion concurrences. STEVENS "there Post, 723. mind, statement, true, fundamentally misperceives "pay entail suit prevent. BLACKMUN it." 714-715. My reading occurrence "possibility." cites assist households other, unable 721-722. brief reports "we advised application. If, reasons, [a number] card, request. Similarly, sign grounds, personnel] lieu applicant." added; citations happy "supply" appellees—i.e., fill applications—if wanted. desire Government; instead ruling excluding advanced ultimately lacks merit, Also, produce change 305, 904, Follett Town McCormick, 321 573, 577-578, 717, 719, 938 (1944); Murdock Pennsylvania, 105, 112, 870, 874, 1292 (1943). Kedroff St. Nicholas Cathedral, 344 94, 143, 97 120 (1952). NLRB Catholic Bishop Chicago, 440 490, 99 1313, 533 (1979). Prince Massachusetts, 158, 438, 645 Cox New Hampshire, 312 569, 762, 765, 1049 (1941); Pierce Society Sisters, 268 510, 571, 1070 (1925); 167, 1056, (1972); (1971); (1943); Jacobson 197 358, 643 (1905). Concurring McGowan Maryland, 420, 521, 1153, 1186, 393 (1961), Frankfurter "do criminal, onus civil criminal disability, act duties religions." 605-606, 1147, plurality emphasized: "Fully recognizing alternatives open situated financial observe option practice unlawful." 218, 1534, compulsory-attendance respondents' Amish severe, inescapable, them, sanction, perform acts undeniably odds fundamental tenets beliefs." O'CONNOR's partial dissent "has precedent," 727 (O'CONNOR, dissenting). history revisionist. characterizes same, purposes, sanction. University, school prohibited interracial dating, remained "observ[e] [its] tenets." 2035. imposing ordering pain penalty, permit dating campus. toleration circumstances." Norwood Harrison, 413 455, 463, 2804, 2809, 723 (1973). readily every takes, innocuous appear, potentially susceptible objection. Norse mythology, return Wednesday (Woden's day). dissent's interpretation taken seriously, enforce "compelling libertarians anarchists applaud hard imagine Framers intended. unlikely Without questioning law-abiding citizens, misperceived ensuring event misunderstanding accounts "can conclusionary specific text prospects position An adopted Establishment 409-410, 1796-97, Unfortunately, flexibility assured dismissed handicapped read write English. C.J.); 720 result). Before concedes unreasonable [at case] [social (and use) one." What say construction, followed past. worth recalling unilaterally, offer cut off "undoubtedly" 702, am loss STEVENS' narrow Thomas. 722, 17, Goldman Weinberger, 475 503, 524, 1310, 478 (1986) occasion separately, does, "hypothetical questions," 723, arise objectors simultaneously offering comparable completing 720-722. respecting thereof. Adjudication, Complaint, Ex. A, 2. Complaint ¶ 11. Undisputed Facts, ("With exception family] Numbers"); 20, ("The reduction assistance] Snow"). 27a. 52-53. ("Mr. eldest Renee; but, explain, became potential numbers; tell done continuing effect; so"). 442-443. 514-515 (argument Deputy Attorney Pennsylvania); 521 Dept. Justice); 68, (federal defendants' motion dismiss). pp. 2-3. CFR 273.2(c)(1) (1985) incomplete contains applicant's signed responsible household's authorized representative"). 282.17(c)(3)(v) ("Households reports. Special include representatives reports, home visits telephone reporting report comprised blind, mentally physically disabled persons, whose writing skills own, non-English speaking residing project areas bilingual 272.4(c) apply"). 273.2(e)(2) office interview waived appoint representative come age older, handicapped"); ibid. waive transportation hardships determines waiver interview. include, to: Illness, care member, prolonged severe weather, hours preclude in-office interview"). 273.6(b)(2) ("For SSN one, follows. SSN, Form SS-5"); Fed.Reg. 10469 (proposed 273.6(d)) ("In cause exists Good delays due illness, temporary absences, SSA provisions mail-in applying person. member(s) documents SSA, case-worker effort individual(s) documents"). favorably claims. (1982) (In job tantamount impairment impossible changed circumstances Rescue Army Municipal 331 549, 1409, 1420, 1666 (1947) ("[C]onstitutional issues affecting broader applied"); Coffman Breeze Corp., 323 316, 324-325, 298, 303, 264 (1945) ("[T]he pass constitutionality rights parties"); Liverpool, York Philadelphia S.S. Co. Commissioners Emigration, 113 33, 39, 352, 355, 899 (1885) (This bound rules, rigidly adhered, anticipate advance it; formulate applied"). Bender Williamsport Area Dist., 534, 542, 5, 1326, 1331, 501 ("We fact-finding process adjudication"); Minnick Corrections, 452 123, 2211, 2221, 706 affected additional courts ambiguities record"); England Louisiana Examiners, 375 411, 416, 461, 465, (1964) ("How claims"); Townsend Sain, 372 293, 312, 745, 756, 770 typical, rare, turn resolution contested issues"); Wiener 357 349, 1275, 1277, 1377 (1958) versatility mocks natural definitiveness"); Hammond Schappi Bus Line, 275 164, 171-172, 66, 69, 218 (1927) ("Before suggested, novel importance, definitely lower adequate evidence"). Curiously, explaining discourse length rely assumptions. (BURGER, C.J.) (The "Government 'supply' wanted"), 725 number"). principle judicial restraint uncertainty disquisitions.

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