Which case involved the prohibition of polygamy and limits of free exercise?

• A. Cantwell v. Connecticut (1940)
• B. Reynolds v. United States (1879)
• C. Sherbert v. Verner (1963)
• D. Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

Answer: (B)

Religious freedom protects belief but not all religiously motivated conduct when the government has a neutral law. In Reynolds v. United States, the Supreme Court confronted a statute banning polygamy and a defendant who argued his religious duty required multiple wives. The Court held that while belief is protected, the practice of polygamy is a crime regardless of religious motivation, drawing a sharp line between belief and conduct. It reasoned that the law against polygamy is neutral and generally applicable, applying to everyone and not targeting a specific faith. This case illustrates that the Free Exercise Clause does not exempt individuals from laws that regulate conduct, even when that conduct is tied to religious belief. Other options address different facets of religious liberty (such as the right to proselytize, unemployment-benefit exemptions, or schooling for the Amish) and do not center on banning a religious practice like polygamy.