Freedom of religion

The freedom of religion, or freedom of belief, is a principle that supports the freedom of an individual or community, in public or private, to manifest religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance; the concept is generally recognized also to include the freedom to change religion or not to follow any religion.

The freedom to leave or discontinue membership in a religion or religious group — in religious terms called "apostasy" — is also a fundamental part of religious freedom, covered by Article 18 of the [[wikipedia:Universal Declaration of Human Rights|Universal Declaration of Human Rights]. Freedom of religion is considered by many people and nations to be a fundamental human right.

The freedom of religion is protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.