Free Exercise of Religion and Religious Accommodation
Right to Individual Expression
Right to Expression
Every Airman has the right to individual expressions of sincerely held beliefs, to include:
- Conscience
- Moral principles
- Religious beliefs
Limitations
Expression Limitations
Unless those expressions would have an adverse impact on:
- Military readiness
- Unit cohesion
- Good order
- Discipline
- Health and safety
- Mission accomplishment
Leader Balance Required
Leaders Balance Constitutional Protections
According to AFI 1-1, leaders at all levels must balance:
- Constitutional protections for their own free exercise of religion, including individual expressions of religious beliefs
- Constitutional prohibition against governmental establishment of religion
What Leaders Must Ensure
Leaders Must Not Endorse
They must ensure their words and actions cannot reasonably be construed to be officially:
- Endorsing
- Disapproving
- Extending preferential treatment
…for any faith, belief, or absence of belief.
Religious Accommodation Process
Comply Until Approved
In accordance with DAFI 52-201, *Religious Freedom in the Department of the Air Force*, Airmen requesting religious accommodation must continue to comply with directives, instructions, and lawful orders until the request is approved.
Denial Standards
Denial Standards
If the request is NOT approved, the decision must:
- Be based on the facts presented
- Directly relate to the compelling government interest of:
- Military readiness
- Unit cohesion
- Good order
- Discipline
- Health, safety, or mission accomplishment
- Be by the least restrictive means necessary to avoid the adverse impact