Question

A Minnesota statute required all operators of slow-moving vehicles to display a fluorescent red triangular sign. Henderson, an adherent of the Amish religion, was charged with violating the statute. His defense was that the law violated his First Amendment right to freedom of religion because displaying "loud" colors on his slow-moving black buggy conflicted with his religious belief that he should remain separate from the modern world. Henderson stated that he was willing to display the sign if he could use silver, instead of red, reflective tape, which was equally effective. The state argued that the law applied to all, equally. The court most likely found that the statute, as it applied to Henderson, was:
a. unconstitutional under the free exercise clause.
b. constitutional under the safety clause.
c. unconstitutional under the due process clause.
d. constitutional under the free exercise clause

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct option is A: unconstitutional under the free exercise clause

Explanation:

It is unconstitutional when applied to the case of Henderson because using a red reflective tape contradicts with his religious belief and he has offered to obey if allowed to use a silver tape, which will have the same effect and serve same reason as the red tape. Also, it is unconstitutional under the free exercise clause which states that the Congress cannot make any law that will prohibit any religion from free practice. Thus, this clause prohibits the government from making any laws that will cause Henderson to go against his religion.