Gonzales vs. O Centro Espirita Beneficente União do Vegetal

Supreme Court affirms religious liberty for Native American Church

Supreme Court Case

On November 22, 2000, the UDV filed a lawsuit against certain agencies of the federal government for violations of the First Amendment to the US Constitution and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).

RFRA requires that the government not interfere with religious conduct unless it can demonstrate to a court that it has a “compelling interest” in doing so. If it is unable to do so, RFRA requires the government to allow people to practice their religion.

On February 21, 2006 the United States Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision affirming Religious Liberty in the case of Gonzales vs. O Centro Espirita Beneficente União do Vegetal.

UDV Supreme Court Case PDF