6. NON-INFRINGEMENT OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

Non-infringement of religious freedom

The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. (Sec.5, Art III, 1987 Constitution).

Application

It has been held that the imposition of license fees of the distribution and sale of bibles and other religious literature not for purposes of profit by a non-stock, non-profit religious corporation violates the above constitutional guarantee of the free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship which carries with it the right to disseminate beliefs and information. It is actually in the nature of a condition or permit for the exercise of a right.


• No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights. [Section 5, Article III, Constitution]

• The payment of license fees for the distribution and sale of bibles suppresses the constitutional right of free exercise of religion. [American Bible Society v. Manila, 101 Phil. 386]