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Church & State Issues/Not Forwarned of Penalty before membership

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Expert: - 4/28/2008


Question
Is it legal to forbid church members to speak to former church members under penalty of expulsion?

Answer
Hello,

The First Amendment ensures that government does not involve itself in the internal administration of churches, including who can or cannot be members of a particular church.  Therefore churches may set whatever rules they want as a condition of membership.

I hope this helps!
- Mike  

Church & State Issues

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Michael Troy

Expertise

I can answer any question relating to freedom of religion or the Establishment Clause. My specialties involve religious discrimination by government in allocation of benefits, usually in the educational area. I cannot give specific legal advice on specific cases you may have.

Experience

I have participated in the litigation of a number of religious freedom/Establishment Clause cases, including Rosenberger v. Univ. of Virginia and Columbia Union College v. Clarke.

Organizations
Former Attorney with Center for Individual Rights

Publications
Washington Post
Washington Times

Education/Credentials
JD from Univ. of Michigan Law School

Awards and Honors
Truman Scholar

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