Document: 435 U.S. 618 98 S.Ct. 1322 55 L.Ed.2d 593 Paul A. McDANIEL, Appellant,v.Selma Cash PATY et al. No. 76-1427. Argued Dec. 5, 1977. Decided April 19, 1978. Syllabus Appellee Paty, a candidate for delegate to Tennessee constitutional convention, sued in the State Chancery Court declaratory judgment that appellant, an opponent who was Baptist minister, disqualified from serving as by statutory provision establishing qualifications of convention delegates be same those membership House Representatives, thus invoking barring "[m]inister[s] Gospel, or priest[s] any denomination whatever." That court held violated First and Fourteenth Amendments. The Supreme reversed, holding clergy disqualification imposed no burden on "religious belief" restricted action . [only] law making process government—where religious is absolutely prohibited establishment clause ." Held : case remanded. Pp. 625-629; 629-642; 642-643; 643-646. 547 S.W.2d 897, reversed Chief Justice, joined Mr. Justice Powell, Rehnquist, Stevens, concluded: 1. directed primarily, not at belief, but status, acts, conduct clergy. Therefore, Free Exercise Clause's absolute prohibition against infringements "freedom believe" inapposite here. Torcaso v. Watkins, 367 488, 81 1680, 6 982 (which invalidated state requirement appointee public office declare his belief existence God), distinguished. 626-627. 2. Nevertheless, challenged violates appellant's Amendment right free exercise religion made applicable States Amendment, because it conditions surrender seek office. Sherbert Verner, 374 398, 406, 83 1790, 1795, 10 965. Though justification asserted under Establishment Clause restriction ground if elected members will necessarily promote interests one sect thwart another contrary anti-establishment principle neutrality, has failed demonstrate its views dangers participation political have lost whatever validity they may once enjoyed. Accordingly, there need inquire whether State's legislative goal permissible. 626, 627-629. Brennan, Marshall, 1 provision. 630-635. 2 (a) Freedom protected embraces freedom profess practice even including doing so livelihood. establishes condition he willingness eschew certain practices. therefore classification governing eligibility prohibited. supra. 631-633. 3 (b) fact does directly prohibit merely abandonment alter protection afforded Clause. "Governmental imposition such choice puts kind upon would fine ," supra, 404, S.Ct., 1794, Tennessee's unconstitutional penalty exercise. Moreover, "[t]he person compelled hold cannot possibly excuse him state-imposed criteria forbidden Constitution." U.S., 495-496, 1684. 633-634. 4 also Government generally use basis duties, penalties, privileges, benefits. Specifically, government fence out participation, people ministers whom regards overinvolved religion. employed here primary effect inhibiting 636-642. 5 Stewart concluded controls this case. Except bases disqualification, person's statement decision pursue vocation situation indistinguishable 642-643. White while interfering with desires, denies equal protection. based interest maintaining required separation church state, reasonably necessary objective, which all except been able realize without burdening ministers' rights candidacy. In addition, statute both underinclusive overinclusive. 7 Frederic S. LeClercq, Knoxville, Tenn., appellant. 8 Kenneth R. Herrell, Nashville, appellees. 9 BURGER announced delivered opinion POWELL, REHNQUIST, STEVENS joined. question presented appeal "Minister[s] whatever" limited deprived appellant McDaniel, ordained guaranteed Amendment. forbids laws "prohibiting exercise" 11 * first Constitution, 1796, legislators.1 disqualifying continued unchanged since adoption; now Art. 9, § 1, Constitution. legislature applied candidates 1977 when enacted ch. 848, 4, 1976 Tenn.Pub.Acts: "Any citizen can qualify Representatives General Assembly become 12 minister Church Chattanooga, filed convention. An opposing candidate, appellee Selma McDaniel striking name ballot. Chancellor Franks 848 Amendments Federal Constitution declared eligible delegate. McDaniel's remained ballot ensuing election vote almost three candidates. 13 After election, Court, lawmaking 903 (1977). preventing avoiding divisiveness tendency channel activity along lines, resulting affairs, were deemed sufficiently weighty justify notwithstanding guarantee 14 We noted probable jurisdiction.2 432 905, 97 2948, 53 1076 II 15 carried England seven original States;3 later six new similarly excluded clergymen some offices. Stokes, United 622 (1950) (hereafter Stokes). excluding Commons justified variety grounds: prevent dual officeholding, is, Parliament Convocation; insure priest deacon devoted himself "sacred calling" rather than "such mundane activities appropriate member Commons"; ministers, after 1533 subject Crown's powers over benefices clergy, using diminish independence increasing influence King nobility. re MacManaway, [1951] A.C. 161, 164, 170-171. 16 purpose several providing primarily assure success experiment, state. Stokes 622. Prior 1776, most Colonies had form established, government-sponsored, church. Id., 364-446. Even ratification following course, pro-establishment provisions. See id., 408, 418-427, 444. Massachusetts, last accept disestablishment, did 1833. 426-427. 17 light history widespread awareness during period undue often dominant clerical affairs here, England, Continent, surprising strong way disestablishment keep Indeed, foremost philosophers statesmen regarding Earlier, John Locke argued confining authority English "within bounds church, nor manner extended civil affairs; itself thing separate distinct commonwealth." Works 21 (C. Baldwin ed. 1824). Thomas Jefferson initially advocated position 1783 draft constitution Virginia.4 James Madison, however, disagreed vigorously urged our view accurately reflects spirit Religion Clauses Madison's response Jefferson's was: 18 "Does exclusion Ministers Gospel violate fundamental liberty punishing profession privation right? [not] article plan exempts cognizance Civil power? justice taking away prohibiting compensation it? impartiality shutting door [against] leaving open every other." Writings Madison 288 (G. Hunt 1904). 19 only articulate disqualification. When proposals earlier office, Witherspoon, Presbyterian president Princeton University, clergyman sign Declaration Independence, cogent protest and, tongue cheek, offered amendment much like here: 20 " 'No clergyman, denomination, shall capable being Senate (here insert grounds offensive I discover) Provided always, true intent meaning part constitution, time completely character invested it, deposition cursing swearing, drunkenness uncleanness, then fully restored privileges citizen; offense [of clergyman] more remembered him; chosen either treated respect due brethren, other Assembly.' 624-625. As value experiment perceived, types gradually abandoned th t limitation. New York, example, took step 1846 "odious distinction." C. Lincoln, Constitutional History York 111-112 (1906). Only Maryland their clergy-disqualification provisions into century 1974, District Maryland's violative Amendments' guarantees Kirkley Maryland, 381 F.Supp. 327. Today remains 22 essence aspect national few selection rejection soon came viewed something safely left good sense desires people. B 23 This brief review amply demonstrates, that, least early segment life, enjoyed support responsible American accepted having rational basis. Against background we do lightly invalidate pursuant sustained highest court. clothed presumption bound give deference. However, unquestionably encompasses preach, proselyte, perform similar functions, or, words, type found be. Murdock Pennsylvania, 319 105, 63 870, 87 L.Ed. 1292 (1943); Cantwell Connecticut, 310 296, 60 900, 84 1213 (1940). acknowledges adult citizens legislators Tenn.Const., 2, §§ 25, 26; Tenn.Code Ann. 8-1801, 8-1803 (Supp.1977). Yet provision, simultaneously conditioned other. Or, "punishing right." 288. doing, encroached "[T]o availability benefits [including access ballot] cardinal [his] faith [by surrendering religiously impelled ministry] effectively penalizes liberties." 965 (1963). 24 If depriving solely beliefs, inquiry end. categorically prohibits regulating, prohibiting, rewarding beliefs such. 402, 1794; 304, 903. (1961), reviewed holders "any profit trust State" God. down requirement, evaluate assertedly justifying belief. 25 view, govern. By terms, operates status "minister" "priest." thos words law.5 And although examined extensively state-law sources, available indicates ministerial defined terms belief.6 Because unlike Torcaso, focused Hence, here.7 26 mean, escapes judicial scrutiny enjoy significant recently Wisconsin Yoder, 406 205, 215, 92 1526, 1533, 32 (1972): 27 "The said written order otherwise served overbalance legitimate claims religion."8 28 asserts tate consistent order. reveals prompted adoption provisions, see 622; appear exception pattern. Cf. post, 636 n. (Brennan, J., concurring judgment). There occasion promoting permissible goal, 636-642, rationale underlying another, pitting others, command neutrality. Walz Tax Comm'n, 397 664, 90 1409, 697 (1970). However widely 18th many, enlightened day, experience provides persuasive fear less careful faithful oaths unordained counterparts.9 29 remanded further proceedings inconsistent opinion. 30 Reversed 31 BLACKMUN consideration BRENNAN, MARSHALL joins, judgment. 33 call convention,1 extent incorporates ante, 621 n.1, through concur reversal Court. 34 "does infringe within cl use[, and] indirect priests them compelling wall between state." 907 reaching conclusion, relied two interrelated propositions are decisions distinction action" hand, "career ministry stated "[i]t career calling, identified dedicated full promotion objectives particular sect, disqualifies." second interfere unimpaired; candidacy proscribed. 35 characterization withstand analysis. Clearly belief,2 earn One's surely cease depth sincerity impel join ministry.3 36 Whether discriminates among religions (and purposes discussion Court's construction not,4 908), classification—involvement activity—governing believe imposes unique disability exhibit level intensity involvement activity. Such test conviction denominational preference. A limits prayer, worship, disqualifies Catholics, Jews, Protestants. Wieman Updegraff, 344 183, 191-192, 73 218-219, 216 (1952).5 practices, compels conclusion struck notary God, expressly disavowing "the historically constitutionally discredited policy probing limiting offices persons have, perhaps properly concept." 494, 1683 (footnote omitted). equally condemns qualification elective Tennessee. 37 proposition—that activity, abandonment—is squarely rejected precedent. (1963), unemployment unwilling work Saturdays Sabbatarian whose forbade Saturday work. turned ruling forces her choose precepts forfeiting benefits, abandoning work, hand. Governmental worship." 1794.6 Similarly, service leadership role faith," S.W.2d, 903, faith.7 38 Nor distinguished Sherbert's welfare thought, suggesting involved sustain life voluntary answers contention. 39 makes clear requires faith. renounce ministry, presumably could regain not, must forgo opportunity enjoy. compel purchase engage sacrificing impairs 40 plurality recognizes "categorically forbid[den]," draws what respectfully suggest sophistic regulate associated dangerous snake handling human sacrifice, validly prohibit, bar regarded deeply committed participation—participation harmful conceded protected. recognizes, "fill[ed] 'leadership religion,' 'dedicated [himself] sect.' (emphasis added)," 627 6. According plurality, barred religion, commitment persuade lead others simply fathom why prohibits" hinging act declaring discussing others.8 Ante, 626. 41 prohibition, echoed State, intended intensely injecting sectarian goals policies process, avoid fomenting strife fusing raises Clause.9 construed, manifests patent hostility toward, neutrality respecting, religion; influences abandon price office; sum, inhibits Everson Board Education, 330 15-16, 67 504, 511 (1947); Illinois ex rel. McCollum 333 203, 210, 68 461, 464, 649 (1948); 492-494, 1682-1684; Lemon Kurtzman, 403 602, 91 2105, 745 (1971); Meek Pittenger, 421 349, 358, 95 1753, 1759, 44 217 (1975). 42 Constitution's Framers, attracted concept 622-625, provide historical concluding harmonious Notwithstanding presence constitutions written,10 Framers refused follow suit. contained contemporaneous Bill Rights furnish guide concerning understanding harmony evident constitutions, side clauses, clearly contravened States, creating official church,11 Protestants12 theistic believers generally.13 short, regime embodied very different established States. When, strictures became wholly 303, (1940); 8, 507, conceptions religion—including disqualification—were superseded. 43 Our interpreting aimed erect governments, Government, refrain favoring tenets adherents nonreligion,14 insinuating themselves ecclesiastical disputes,15 programs unnecessarily excessively entangle religion.16 On indicated governmental reflect accommodation heritage develop preach ideas practices Clause.17 Thus, unfaithful tradition liberty, conception stating "strict no-aid" theory18 unitary principle, "religion used action, conferring duties obligations." P. Kurland, Law (1962); accord, 112. rigid tempered constructions upholding classifications where "[a] manifestation [toward religion] war Amendment's guaranty religion." 211-212, 465. interrelationship p rmitted take account secular unrelated advancement religion,19 exempt, possible, regulation individuals thereby infringed,20 create atmosphere flourish.21 Beyond these situations accommodating traditions benefits.22 "State power handicap religions, favor them." 18, 513. 45 nevertheless invokes my permit, condone, deprivation involved. 46 Fundamental idea matter v luntary associations,23 each entitled "flourish according zeal dogma." Zorach Clauson, 343 306, 313, 72 679, 684, 96 954 (1952). ideas, other, debate "uninhibited, robust, wide-open Times Co. Sullivan, 376 254, 270, 710, 720, 686 (1964). efforts proselyte worship places. Kunz 340 290, 71 312, 280 (1951). It tax dissemination ideas. (1943). shield solicit beliefs. Martin City Struthers, 141, 862, 1313 47 arouse emotion, incite, foment rob protection.24 309-310, 905-906; cf. Terminiello Chicago, 337 4-5, 69 894, 895-896, 93 1131 (1949). mere reduce eliminate strife, place discussion, association, preferred generally. "Adherents faiths individual churches frequently positions issues vigorous advocacy legal positions. Of bodies private 670, 1412, 48 bickering accomplished regulating speech association. license treat teach virtue such, subversive ideals disabilities. motivations officeholders—it remove statements actions stem conviction. Bond Floyd, 385 116, 339, 235 (1966). 49 "safe thinking" those, Religionists group measure speech, Clause, understood, attempt inhibit done here; Abington School Dist. Schempp, 222, 1560, 1571, 844 sword repression life.25 50 supporting involving becoming drawn disputes.26 These prohibitions naturally tend, designed to, channeling lines toward society. enforcing prohibitions, go. antidote zealots inject sectarianism refutation marketplace platforms polls. With safeguards, unlikely succeed inducing divisive enforcement achieve short-lived, best. 51 STEWART, 52 Like There, refusal commission God incorporated Fourteenth. lay requiring oath, "limiting 1683. noted: Fact one—and sole consequence.* WHITE, 54 While share Brothers impermissible, disagree invalidity. Rather relying Members Tenn.Pub.Acts Equal Protection states "has religion," fails explain deterred observance Certainly felt result statute, disavow am persuaded interferes ability rest instead turn argument laws. 56 cases recognized importance accordingly regulations right. Lubin Panish, 415 709, 716, 94 1315, 1320, 702 (1974), 57 "This interest, achieved means unfairly minority party's candidate's important opportunity. parties candidates; voters assert preferences broad weighed balance. party intertwined voters." 58 Recognizing lend neat Bullock Carter, 405 134, 143, 849, 856, (1972). substantial prevents class gaining payment prohibitively large filing fees,1 moderate fees indigent candidates,2 independent ballot.3 59 case, ones previous cases, face: desire maintain allow commitments constituents, potential conflict great 4's Although one, close "reasonably accomplishment objective. Bullock, 144, 856. All yet objective suggests assumption based—that minister's duty superiors service—is unfounded. undermined keeping separate, applies positions, executive statute's sweep overly broad, force discharging delegates. 61 facts show district desired represent conclude frustrating insufficient, violation "Whereas gospel are, profession, care Souls, ought diverted d ties functions; therefore, gospel, whatever, seat legislature." VIII, (1796). stayed until final disposition appeal. currently Virginia, North Carolina, South Georgia, Delaware. L. Pfeffer, Church, 118 (Rev. 1967). Three these—New Delaware, Carolina—barred Ibid. Papers 297 (J. Boyd 1952). demonstrated exclude letter Jeremiah Moor 1800, stated: "[I]n scheme [for Virginia prepared 1783, observe] abridgment elected, years & reflection, approve. incapacitation elected. getting law, ingrafted machine government, formidable engine man. They still many countries doubted stability recent measures reducing footing useful callings. appears effectual. seem relinquished pretensions privilege, stand lawyers, physicians, &c. possess rights." 143 (P. Ford 1905). 904, But implicates act" believe," (1940) resolved consider court's resolution issue, it. embodying inferentially defines "duties," include "care souls." reaches filling "leadership "dedicated sect." added). court, defining "priest," referred dictionary definition "one performs sacrificial, ritualistic, mediatorial, interpretative, functions 908 (quoting Webster's Third International Dictionary 1799-1800 (1971)) should cautious expanding scope might leave powerless vindicate interests. courts venomous snakes drinking poison, ceremony, Swann Pack, 527 99 (Tenn.1975), cert. denied, 424 954, 1429, 360 (1976); Massey, 229 N.C. 734, S.E.2d 179, dismissed want federal sub nom. Bunn 336 942, 813, 1099 (1949), precluded application criminal sanctions peyote, People Woody, Cal.2d Cal.Rptr. 69, 394 P.2d 813 (1964); Oliver Udall, 113 U.S.App.D.C. 212, 306 F.2d 819 (1962) (not issue), comply mandatory education past eighth grade, Yoder. pass conclusions reached Pack Those illustrative general nature protections delicate balancing shown. struggle influenced developments States—and Government—was waged addition leaders Jefferson, George Mason; opposed 366-379. imprecision days Republic, legislators, antithetical Section Tenn.Pub.Acts, provides, inter alia County Election Commission county nominating petition containing twenty-five (25) names legally qualified representative district. Each represented voter comprising county, qualifying home certified copy thereof counties district." sharp motivated Cromwell's directive Catholics Ireland: 'As conscience, meddle man's conscience; you mean celebrate Mass, understand prevails permitted.' Quoted Hook, Paradoxes (1962). participate exercises absolute, never 'even accord one's convictions, [it] totally restrictions.' regulated[, however,] invariably posed threat safety, peace order." 403, 1793, (1963) (citations omitted), quoting Braunfeld Brown, 366 599, 603, 1144, 1145, 563 (1961). poses "some order"; wishes proscribe. preaching proselyting engaged constitute (1951) (public worship); (1943) (distribution literature). arguable nonreligion, may, well, discriminate recognizable ministries permitting nonorthodox humanistic "counterpart" (1977), so. warned precisely effect: "[D]oes ". Congress 'enact Republican, Jew Negro appointed employee attend Mass active missionary work.' Public Workers Mitchell, 75, 100, 556, 754 (1947). regard. 404-405, 6, 1794 (collecting authorities); Van Alstyne, Demise Right-Privilege Distinction Law, Harv.L.Rev. 1439 (1968). 603-606, 1145-1147. Candor acknowledgement confli ts regard, overruled. "language [first] commands Jersey hamper own Consequently, Lutherans, Mohammedans, Baptists, Methodists, Non-believers, Presbyterians, faith, lack receiving legislation." 16, 512, 711 (1947) original). plurality's reliance (1972), misplaced. differs significantly Amish parents children school age 16. parents' claim compulsion interfered teachings de-emphasis intellectual training avoidance materialistic goals. sustaining balance values advanced closeness fit ends chosen, impact exemption goals, centrality objection sect's practice, implemented neutral avowedly burdened respondent's Cases require sensitive difficult competing contrast, determination Since, "[b]y 'minister' 'priest,' 626-627 original), runs afoul view—that void more—does agree establish interest. Appellant raised doubt ascribed fact, actual purpose. He argues enact sinful worldly politics, Brief 58-59, conceivable, especially reasons adopted, address contention determine was, provision's framers sought achieve. contrast rule motive relevant determining constitutionality Arizona California, 283 423, 455, 522, 526, 75 1154 (1931) cases), uniformly seeking advance Epperson Arkansas, 393 97, 109, 89 266, 273, 228 (1968); McGowan 420, 431-445, 453, 1101, 1108-1115, 1119, (1961); Grosjean Press Co., 233, 250-251, 444, 449, 80 660 (1936). unnecessa y explore contention, however. (Rev.ed.1967); (1950). S.C.Const., XXXVIII (1778); Md. Rights, XXXIII (1776) (authorizing taxation Christian religion). N.C.Const. XXXII (1776). current continues (1870). supra; (1963); Engel Vitale, 370 421, 82 1261, 601 (1948). Serbian Eastern Orthodox Diocese Milivojevich, 426 696, 2372, 151 Mary Elizabeth Blue Hull Memorial 440, 601, 658 (1969); Kedroff Saint Nicholas Cathedral, 94, 120 (1952); Ballard, 322 78, 86, 64 882, 88 1148 (1944); Watson Jones, Wall. 727, 666 (1872). Cathedral Academy, 434 125, 340, 346 (1977); 1765, (1975); Levitt Committee Education Religious Liberty, 413 472, 2814, 736 (1973); Comm. Educ. Liberty Nyquist, 756, 2955, 948 411 192, 1463, (1973) (Lemon ); (1971) ). E. g., 212-214, 1565-1567; 295, 1610 concurring); 1615 (Goldberg, 311-318, 1618, 1621 (Stewart, dissenting); 508. Giannella, Nonestablishment, Doctrinal Development, Part II, 513, 514 See, e. supra 527-528, 532, 538-560 (discussion "secularly factor"). (1972); 409, 1796; 414-417, 1799-1801 result); Tribe, 14-4 (1978); Katz, Neutrality, U.Chi.L.Rev. (1953). 683, Quick Bear Leupp, 210 50, 690, (1908). Accord, 527. 516-522. "Every incitement. offers believed acted unless outweighs failure energy stifles movement birth." Gitlow 268 652, 673, 625, 632, 1138 (1925) (Holmes, dissenting). "In spirit, thought oblivious politics; groups long exerted powerful pressures legislatures, subjects diverse slavery, war, gambling, drinking, prostitution, marriage, education. To suspect, regard results automatically tainted, freedoms expression—and controversy given 'political ruptures caused alienation segments community.' 20, 14-12, pp. 866-867 (footnotes authorities cited nn. 14-16, 303-304, 1213, [First] concepts,—freedom act. but, things, be." business prying people's minds dispensing acts society immune proscription actor inspired. act." penalized status—for believes in—rather (1974). Williams Rhodes, 23,

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