The Free Exercise Clause categorically prohibits government from regulating, prohibiting, or rewarding religious beliefs as such. If the first Trump term was any indication, the next four years will require vigilance when it comes to protecting religious liberty for all.Cotton Mather called Williams America's "first rebel. If you have witnessed a First Amendment violation, contact a religious freedom attorney at Bolek Besser Glesius for a free consultation. The first two chapters give background on polarization, first in general and then applied to religious liberty in particular. The ACLU believes that the right of every American to practice his or her own religion, or no religion at all, is one of the most fundamental freedoms. Plaintiff Alphonso McPherson, a pretrial detainee in the Cuyahoga County jail at all relevant times, brought this civil rights action.