Wisconsin v. Yoder, 406 U.S. 205 (1972)

"The Wisconsin law affirmatively compels them to perform acts
undeniably at odds with their religious beliefs."

Wisconsin, 1968. The Amish believe children have had enough education when they can read the Bible and be good citizens. Anything more is, quote, "impermissible exposure to a 'worldly' influence." Trouble is, state law requires school attendance to age 16. When three Amish families pull their children from school, the parents are convicted of violating the compulsory-attendance law. They appeal.

The Supreme Court decides, "The Wisconsin law affirmatively compels them, under threat of criminal sanction, to perform acts undeniably at odds with fundamental tenets of their religious beliefs. It carries with it," writes Chief Justice Burger, "precisely the kind of objective danger to the free exercise of religion that the First Amendment was designed to prevent."

For more...

110 Years Before Yoder Mennonite Historical Bulletin July 1995

Amish Mennonites and the U.S. Supreme Court

AMENDMENT 1 Freedom of Religion, Speech, and Assembly

Passed by Congress September 25, 1789. Ratified December 15, 1791.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. [^].

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