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Amendment I: Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition

Passed by Congress September 25, 1789. Ratified December 15, 1791. · Part of the Bill of Rights

In plain English

The government can't set up an official religion or stop you from practising yours, and it can't stop you from speaking, publishing, gathering peacefully or complaining to the government.

Original text

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Plain-English summaries are simplified for learning. Courts interpret these words in detail; this is general information, not legal advice.

Source: National Archives