Can my parents force me to follow their religion?
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees all Americans freedom of religion. This right is not limited to adults. Children and teenagers enjoy the same right, which is balanced with the fundamental rights of parents to raise their children without government interference.
What this means for you is that the government and the courts won′t get involved if you and your parents disagree about religious beliefs or practices. As long as you′re safe and your basic needs are provided (food, shelter, clothing, and medical care), the state can′t interfere with your family. Your parents are free to decide what church to attend, how often, and what practices will be honored in the home.
Photo by Paul Trafford (Flickr)
If you′re at risk of being abused or neglected because of your parents′ religious beliefs, the police or Child Protective Services (CPS) may step in to ensure your safety. For example, if you were in need of a blood transfusion or other urgent medical care, and your parents refuse to give their consent due to their religious beliefs, the court could get involved. In a life-threatening situation, or one where there′s a risk of permanent disability, the court has the right to order the appropriate medical care for you.
Occasionally, a hospital or doctor will contact the court to assist with difficult emergency cases. In 1994, the U.S. Supreme Court stated that parents may be free to become martyrs themselves, but they are not free to make martyrs of their children (Prince v. Massachusetts*).
In following that decision, a Minnesota court stated that although one is free to believe what one will, religious freedom ends when one′s conduct offends the law by, for example, endangering a child′s life” (emphasis added – Lundman v. McKown**).
Photo by Austin Frothingslosh
In the Minnesota case, an eleven-year-old boy was diagnosed with juvenile-onset diabetes. His parents were Christian Scientists, a religion that believes in prayer as the proper treatment for illness. The boy died because he was denied medical treatment. In discussing the difference between the freedom to believe and the freedom to act, the court upheld the government′s right to restrict acts based on religious beliefs. In other words, people can′t claim religion as a reason for not paying taxes, violating child labor laws, marrying more than one person at a time, or refusing medical care for their children.
In September, 2011, Oregon residents Dale and Shannon Hickman, both 26 years old, were convicted of second degree manslaughter in the death of their infant son. Born two months premature at home, David Hickman went into distress. Instead of seeking medical treatment, they prayed and annointed him with olive oil. David passed after nine hours. His parents are members of a faith-healing church where other parents have also lost children in similar situations. They were sentenced on October 31, 2011 to 75 months in prison followed with three years probation.
As you get older and think about the role of religion in your life, talk with your parents. Share your ideas and feelings. Talk with your friends who may belong to different faiths. What is their relationship with their parents on the subject of religion? It won′t be long before you′re independent and able to worship as you choose.
Dale and Shannon Hickman
*Prince v. Massachusetts, 321 U.S. 158 (1944).
**Lundman v. McKown, 530 N.W.2d 807 (1995).
This post was written by Tom Jacobs. Judge Tom is the founder and moderator of AsktheJudge.info. He is a retired juvenile judge and spent 23 years on the bench. He has written several books for lawyers and judges as well as teens and parents including the recently published 'Teen Cyberbullying Investigated' (Free Spirit Publishing). When he's not answering teens' questions, Judge Tom can be found hiking, traveling and reading.
From what I gather….I am 17 and not allowed to choosed my church. Lol. Isn’t my beliefs protected under the constitution parent or no parent? I am an Americn Citizen hence me being able to exercise my freedom of religion….parents often force children into believing something that the child deems wrong or not believable.
Dear Melvin: Generally, under the U.S. Constitution and the laws of your state, you are a minor until reaching 18. As long as you live at home with your parents, they have the legal responsibility to raise you and make most decisions about your life. Once you turn 18, however, those responsibilities transfer to you. This includes the church or faith your parents choose to practice. At 17, nearing adulthood, a calm discussion with your parents is recommended. They may know little about your religious preferences – this is a chance to explain it to them and hopefully reach an agreement that’s satisfactory to all. Good luck.
(This is information only – not legal advice).
Well….this seems like an agreeable approach. I was just aware that minors had a right o religion too seeing that 17 year olds can even be persecuted and even treated like an adult in some situations.
You’re correct, Melvin. State laws allow some teens charged with specific violent crimes to be treated as adults in the criminal justice system.
My parents don’t just force me to go to church, they force me to follow their doctrine nd follow their traditions nd do this and do that. I’m 16. Do they have the right to force me into their beliefs? If so, to what extent? And what if they punish me, and yell at me for that?
Dear Kasey: Until you’re either emancipated (marriage, turning 18 or military service) you’re required under the law to listen to your parents. They are legally responsible for you and this includes your religious upbringing. An exception is when their religion practices put you in danger of neglect or physical/sexual abuse. If you talk with your parents about their beliefs and your feelings on the subject, maybe you can reach an agreement regarding your participation that will be satisfactory to the three of you. Good luck.
(This is information only – not legal advice).
I find it excruciatingly sickening that parents hold the right to force religion upon their children. I’m 16, and I’m Atheist. My parents are Judea Christian. My parents allow me to be Atheist to some degree, but in public I’m not allowed to voice my opinions and I must “pretend” I follow the beliefs of Judea Christianity. Today, my father threatened to kill me because I didn’t stand up when they were singing during a ceremony at Church. He’s been abusive in the past regarding his beliefs before. He once repeatedly because I used a few words that insults his religion. He’s confiscated privileges such as having a phone from me because of my belief system as well. He’s always talking about how he dislikes me because I’m a “faggot” because his religion suggests homosexuals should be killed; I’m not even homosexual. Anyway, is there any way to gain more freedom as far as religious freedom for minors go? Is there anything I can do to take this to court? I occasionally feel that my life is in danger. Anyway, I appreciate you giving me your time. Thank you.
Dear Joey: As a minor living with your parents, you are required to obey them. Even when it comes to religion, they are authorized under the law to raise you as they see fit as long as you’re not in danger of being physically abused or neglected. Once you turn 18 and become an adult, these decisions are yours to make. We suggest you speak with a counselor or someone you trust about your situation and maybe a calm discussion with your parents can bring some peace to your home. Good luck.
(This is information only – not legal advice).