The Restriction of Military Prayers

In recent years, the issue of military prayer has come to the forefront in America. Some people are stating since the United States military is a government run institution; they cannot and should not be allowed to hold prayer services. These people argue that the very act of holding prayer on military insulations violates the rights of the non-believers in the military ranks. However, where does the line of protecting the religious freedom and free speech of our military and protecting those that do not believe fall? Do we protect ones right only to violate the others? Since the military is regulated by Congress, it falls under the First Amendment and the limitation clauses set forth for the protection of religious freedom. According to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances” (First Amendment).This means, Congress can-not and should not be allowed to prohibit the prayers of U.S. military personnel.

The First Amendment provides two limitation clauses in regards to religion and the government. The first of these clauses is the, Free Exercise Clause. According to the U.S. Courts website, “The Free Exercise Clause protects citizens' right to practice their religion as they please, so long as the practice does not run afoul of a public morals or a compelling governmental interest” (U.S. Courts). The second clause is the Establishment Clause and it “prohibits the government for establishing a religion” (U.S. Courts). The Supreme Court has further explained th...

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...stand and respect the rights of those of no faith, so too must those of no faith understand and respect the rights of those professing a faith.

Everyone, including military personnel, have the right to agree or disagree with prayers they hear. Rather the prayer is from a Christian to God, a Muslim to Allah, a Wiccan to the Goddess, or any other prayers from any other religion; everyone has the right to not bow their heads and pray. This does not mean, however, that those who do not believe will never hear someone praying. The U.S. military service men and women deserve the same rights to practice their religion as every day Americans. The U.S. military fight and die to protect and defend the freedoms of all Americans. We can-not and should not abandon these same men and women when it comes to protecting their own rights and freedom to practice their chosen religion.