Excluding Religion: A Reply

Abstract:     
This short piece replies to three prominent scholars who have offered thoughtful responses to my article, Excluding Religion. It first takes up their invitation to explore some of the ramifications of the article for legal and political theory, albeit in a limited way. Second, it revisits the article’s central argument - namely, that governments ought to have greater constitutional leeway to deny aid to religious actors and entities than is commonly thought - and shows how that proposal emerges from the conversation intact. Third, the reply defends certain limits on the practice of excluding religion, particularly the presumptive prohibition on singling out particular sects. In conclusion, the piece describes some aspirations that may legitimately motivate scholarship in this area.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 15

Keywords: excluding religion, religious freedom, religion clauses, free exercise, free speech, first amendment

Accepted Paper Series