freedom of religion

noun phrase

: the right to choose what religion to follow and to worship without interference

Legal Definition

freedom of religion

freedom of re·​li·​gion

: the right especially as guaranteed under the free exercise clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to practice one's religion or exercise one's beliefs without intervention by the government and to be free of the exercise of authority by a church through the government see also free exercise clause

Note: The freedom of religion as guaranteed by the First Amendment can be overcome by a showing by the government of a compelling state interest. On this basis, practices used in some religions, such as bigamy, are prohibited despite the First Amendment guarantee.