US church's illegal tea faces ban

[Petra]

I was going to post this in Philosophy, Religion & Morality, but then figured it was best in this forum.


Anyway, stumbled on this story and thought it presented some interesting dilemma, so wanted to hear your thoughts on the issues.

Story here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4458873.stm

Originally Posted by article

The Supreme Court is to consider whether a US branch of a Brazilian religion can import an hallucinogenic tea used as a sacrament.

An appeals court ruled the sacramental use of the tea cannot be banned because of a 1993 religious freedom law.

[Godless Dave]

This quote sums up the prohibition mindset:

"The ... decision has mandated that the federal government open the nation's borders to the importation, circulation and usage of a mind-altering hallucinogen," acting Solicitor General Paul Clement of the Justice Department said.

Oh no! A mind-altering hallucinogen! Society will collapse! What a schmuck.

As to the church-state issue, I don't really have a problem with relgious groups being given special permission to break the laws on certain matters. Churches give communion wine to people under 21-years old; some Native American groups use peyote as a sacrament. On the way hand religious groups are being given "special rights" of a sort; on the other hand they are such minor things that I don't think the government should get involved.