| This article was published in Indian Affairs, Volume 132, Spring 1995. Minor edits have been made to correct certain terms. Title I of the Native American Free Exercise of Religion Act is the 1994 amendments to the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978. The amendments explicitly protect the traditional ceremonial use of peyote by Native Peoples. It remains in force today. However, some entities seek to exploit peyote as a medicinal and commercial product for the general public—even though peyote is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, with the only exemption granted to Native practitioners. |  |
A victory for the Religious Freedom Coalition
On October 6, 1994 President Clinton signed into law Title I of the Native American Free Exercise of Religion Act. This title deals with the right of Native American religious practitioners to use the divine sacrament peyote in their religious ceremonies. The Association has served as the coordinator of the American Religious Freedom Coalition, a group of more than 100 Native Nations, Native and non-Native organizations, politicians, etc. seeking to educate the public about the need to protect the rights of Native Peoples to freely practice their religions.
On October 6, 1994 President Clinton signed into law Title I of the Native American Free Exercise of Religion Act. This title deals with the right of Native American religious practitioners to use the divine sacrament peyote in their religious ceremonies. The Association has served as the coordinator of the American Religious Freedom Coalition, a group of more than 100 Native Nations, Native and non-Native organizations, politicians, etc. seeking to educate the public about the need to protect the rights of Native Peoples to freely practice their religions.
