In recent years the issue of military prayer has come to the forefront in America. Some people argue that the U.S. military is a government-run institution; they cannot and should not be allowed to hold prayer services. These people claim that the simple act of praying at military barriers violates the rights of non-believers in the military ranks. However, where does the line draw in protecting the religious freedom and freedom of speech of our military and protecting those who do not believe? Do we protect the rights of some only to violate others? Since the military is regulated by Congress, it falls under the First Amendment and restrictive covenants set forth for the protection of religious freedom. According to the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or restrict freedom of expression or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the Government for a redress of grievances” (First Amendment). This means that Congress cannot and should not be allowed to ban the prayers of U.S. military personnel. The First Amendment provides two restrictive clauses regarding religion and government. The first of these clauses is the free exercise clause. According to the U.S. Courts website, “the Free Exercise Clause protects the right of citizens to practice their religion as they please, provided that such practice is not contrary to public morals or a compelling governmental interest” (U.S. Courts ). The second clause is the establishment clause and it “prohibits the government from establishing a religion” (US courts). The Supreme Court further explained that... middle of document ...... stand and respect the rights of those who have no faith, those who have no faith must also understand and respect the rights of those who profess a faith. .Everyone, including military personnel, has the right to agree or disagree with the prayers they hear. The prayer is rather from a Christian to God, from a Muslim to Allah, from a Wiccan to the Goddess, or any other prayer of any other religion; everyone has the right not to bow their heads and not to pray. This does not mean, however, that those who do not believe will never hear someone pray. U.S. military men and women deserve the same rights to practice their religion as ordinary Americans. The United States military fights and dies to protect and defend the freedoms of all Americans. We cannot and must not abandon these same men and women when it comes to protecting their own rights and freedoms to practice their chosen religion..