Posted on 02/21/2006 7:42:06 AM PST by AntiGuv
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Tuesday that a small congregation in New Mexico may use hallucinogenic tea as part of a four-hour ritual intended to connect with God.
Justices, in their first religious freedom decision under Chief Justice John Roberts, moved decisively to keep the government out of a church's religious practice. Federal drug agents should have been barred from confiscating the hoasca tea of the Brazil-based church, Roberts wrote in the decision.
The tea, which contains an illegal drug known as DMT, is considered sacred to members of O Centro Espirita Beneficiente Uniao do Vegetal, which has a blend of Christian beliefs and South American traditions. Members believe they can understand God only by drinking the tea, which is consumed twice a month at four-hour ceremonies.
New Justice Samuel Alito did not take part in the case, which was argued last fall before Justice Sandra Day O'Connor before her retirement. Alito was on the bench for the first time on Tuesday.
And suddenly the Church finds it's got hundreds more parishoners in their seats wishing to "convert"
Hmmmm does this open the door to any group, under the guise of religion, that wants to include illegal drugs into their relgious practices?
Let's just hope it doesn't open the door to "religious" groups who's stated goal is to convert us or kill us.
I'd say so. Libertarians across the nation should be weeping with joy at this.
¿ Church of the holy vegetable spirit?
Hmmmm does this open the door to any group, under the guise of religion, that wants to include illegal drugs into their relgious practices?
I'd guess the group would have to establish a history of having used the illegal drug specifically and exclusively for religious practices.
Watch allot of "converts" claim this for their illegal drug use. People know NO lows when it comes to illegal drugs.
Good...actually it all should be legalized.Let them cull themselves.
The question will probably rest on whether the religion predates the regulation. This could be a precedent regarding multiple wives and Mormonism, etc. But if we moved back to the original understanding, a state legislature could ban the practice, if necessary.
No different than the Indians who get to use peyote in their practices.
There's a pretty high standard --- have to show historical use, tradition, etc.
A church of the "Magical Mystery Weed" with a Rev. who got ordained from a church he found the back of High Times magazine probably wouldn't cut it.
"So, Mr. Costanza, why do you wish to convert to O Centro Espirita Beneficiente Uniao do Vegetal?"
"I think it's the tea."
"a blend of Christian beliefs and South American traditions"
So can anyone hybrid these faiths? Is it enough to cite the Brazilian tradition? Where does a person's "religion" begin?
"... And the hats."
Church of the Holy Leafy Vegetable Substance.
Soon to open near you: Church of the Spirit Bong....
Another question, could a person be denied employement for failing a drug test because of "religious drug use"?
Raises another issue
Well, it is illegal to give alcohol to minors, but in many churches kids get wine at communion.
People still get wine at communion? We get grape juice.
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