[inquest]

But it prohibits (a) government sponsored religion, and (b) interference with the private practice of religion.

Just to bring you up to speed on our conversation, the 1st amendment on its face applies only to Congress. The only possible way it can apply to the states is via the 14th amendment. And the 14th amendment only prohibits restrictions on people's actions, so there's no way the establishment clause (as opposed to the free-exercise clause) could fit through that filter.

[general_re]

And the 14th amendment only prohibits restrictions on people's actions, so there's no way the establishment clause (as opposed to the free-exercise clause) could fit through that filter.

That is one opinion that is being expounded here, anyway ;)