Question

In a small town, officials want to celebrate a holiday by putting religious decorations on city hall. They claim that they are exercising their first amendment right to worship as they choose. How does this interpretation conflict with the establishment cause?

Answer 1

Since you are putting decor of only your religion on city hall, it makes it seem as if only your religion is factored. Also it can be interpreted as vandalism.

Answer 2

Answer:

This interpretation conflicts with the Establishment Clause because preferential treatment is given to a religion in the context of government activities.

Explanation:

The Establishment Clause prohibits 1) the establishment of an official religion by Congress, or 2) the preference of the US government for one religion over another. The first approach is called the "separation" or the interpretation of the "non-help", while the second interpretation is called the "non-preferential" or "accommodation" interpretation. The non-preferential interpretation prohibits the Congress from preferring one religion over another, but it does not prohibit the entry of the government into religious domains to accommodate aspects that serve to achieve the purposes of the Free Practice Clause.