Employment and Peyote

In 1989 two men who were members of the Church of Peyote were let go from their jobs at a rehabilitation center. The men were let go because of their use of the illegal drug peyote. Though the use of the drug was for religious purposes they were later denied unemployment. The men took this to the Supreme Court, known as Smith vs Oregon Supreme Court. The men ultimately lost the case, because the court refused to acknowledge the religious practices of the Church of Peyote. The court publicly denied the men their 1st amendment rights.

“Employment Division, Department of Human Resources of Oregon v. Smith.” Oyez, www.oyez.org/cases/1989/88-1213. Accessed 13 Dec. 2019.

Native lands overlooked

In the Six Rivers National Forest in Willow Creek California, the forest service looked to build an new road for the logging trucks. The best and quickest route would cut threw the Chimney rock area. However by taking this route, it would damage sacred lands of the Native Americans. These scared lands are utilized for rituals and religious practices. The destruction of these lands would impose on the religious rights of the Native people. This was takin to the Supreme Court, known as Lyng vs Northwest Indian Cemetery Protective Association. The N.C.P.A ultimately lost the case to a 5-to-3 decision. The forest service was aloud to build the road, the court justified this as they can not satisfy every citizens needs.

“Lyng v. Northwest Indian Cemetery Protective Association.” Oyez, www.oyez.org/cases/1987/86-1013. Accessed 13 Dec. 2019.