The Principle of Religious Liberty and the Practice of States: Seek and Ye Shall Find a Violation of Human Rights Obligations

Is religious freedom a fundamental human right? This comment examines the theological and legal basis for this theory, and through a study and comparison of the laws of four nations, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Republic of India, and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, determines the current status of this right. The author submits proposals for bridging the gaps between states' lip service to international law and actual compliance.