Wheres the freedom of belief?
Historians say Minersville was the result of patriotism surrounding World War II. The Minersville decision, however, did not last long. Three years later in West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (1943), Jehovah’s Witnesses from West Virginia challenged another school board that forced them to salute the American flag. In that case, the Supreme Court decided that the law violated the First Amendment freedom of speech, which is the right to speak one’s mind. The Supreme Court, however, still rules against the freedom of religion to protect the general welfare of society. For example, in Employment Division v. Smith (1990), the Court said that Oregon could prevent Native Americans from using peyote, a drug, in their sacramental ceremonies.
