General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Muslim Woman Sues Police For Forcing Her To Remove Hijab [View all]Ms. Toad
(34,069 posts)First rules can be crafted which target particular religions - without identifying them by name. One which mandates the taking of oaths could be seen as targeting Quakers, for example, who are prohibited from taking an oath. And, more important to this conversation, there are exceptions, based in the first amendment, which permit Quakers to testify without taking the oath. I have done so several times.
Merely because a regulation applies to all doesn't mean that refusing to make exceptions to accommodate religious practice is consistent with the first amendment. Because we marry without a minister, there are special provisions in most state laws which allow our marriages to be recognized, and even though the military draft applies to all - there is a conscientious objector status which permits Quakers to refuse military service consistent with our faith.
There is a long-standing tradition - constitutionally mandated - supporting the free exercise of faith. No matter how unpopular that concept currently is on DU.