Many might assume that cults are legal simply because of the First Amendment right to free exercise of religion. But, in fact, some cults actually are illegal. Others are protected by the First Amendment, but their activities may not be.

Does the First Amendment freedom of religion violate?

The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment prohibits government from encouraging or promoting ("establishing") religion in any way. ... The Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment gives you the right to worship or not as you choose. The government can't penalize you because of your religious beliefs.

Are cults protected?

It is concluded that many of the activities in which cults are believed to engage are really mere beliefs that are protected by the first amendment. For those activities that are illegal, it is suggested that current laws are adequate to protect society from whatever harm people believe cults pose.