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'''Religious freedom''' is the right to espouse the religion of one's choice, or none. Religious freedom is guaranteed in the constitution of the [[United States]] and is a commonplace in democratic countries. However, in many states and countries, secular and atheistic policies, particularly in the field of education, form in effect a restriction on religious liberties. Examples include the ban on [[classroom prayer]] in the [[United States]], and opposition to the teaching of any alternatives to the discredited [[Theory of Evolution]] in many western nations.

'''Religious freedom''' is the right to espouse the religion of one's choice, or none. Religious freedom is guaranteed in the constitution of the [[United States]] and is a commonplace in democratic countries. However, in many states and countries, secular and atheistic policies, particularly in the field of education, form in effect a restriction on religious liberties. Examples include the ban on [[classroom prayer]] in the [[United States]], and opposition to the teaching of any alternatives to the discredited [[Theory of Evolution]] in many western nations.

The U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom reported in May 2017 that religious freedom around the world was "worsening in both the depth and breadth of violations."<ref>Williams, Thomas D., PhD (May 16, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/05/16/report-international-religious-freedom-worsening-in-both-depth-and-breadth/ Report: International Religious Freedom Worsening in both ‘Depth and Breadth’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 16, 2017.</ref>

The U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom reported in May 2017 that religious freedom around the world was "worsening in both the depth and breadth of violations."<ref>Williams, Thomas D., PhD (May 16, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/05/16/report-international-religious-freedom-worsening-in-both-depth-and-breadth/ Report: International Religious Freedom Worsening in both ‘Depth and Breadth’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 16, 2017.</ref> A November 2018 report by Aid to the Church in Need came to a similar conclusion.<ref>Byas, Steve (November 26, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/faith-and-morals/item/30744-religious-liberty-declining-in-the-world Religious Liberty Declining in the World]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 26, 2018.</ref>

Religious freedom is seen as a grave danger by [[Communist]] regimes—very few religious freedoms are given in [[China]], and under Communist rule religion was banned outright in [[Albania]]—and by strict [[Islamic]] regimes such as those in [[Iran]] and (particularly) [[Saudi Arabia]].

Religious freedom is seen as a grave danger by [[Communist]] regimes—very few religious freedoms are given in [[China]], and under Communist rule religion was banned outright in [[Albania]]—and by strict [[Islamic]] regimes such as those in [[Iran]] and (particularly) [[Saudi Arabia]].