In 1943:

WEST VIRGINIA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION ET AL. v. BARNETTE ET AL., 319 U.S. 624

[….]

If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein. If there are any circumstances which permit an exception, they do not now occur to us….

[….]

In the U.S. Constitution:

Amendment I

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…

Article VI

…no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.

This afternoon, from the U.S. Representative from Missouri’s 8th Congressional District:

Rep. Jason Smith @RepJasonSmith
The American flag is a symbol of freedom and democracy around the world. If there’s one thing that should unify this country, it is kneeling before God and standing for the flag.
1:03 PM · Jul 17, 2021

Who’s god?

Which flag, again?

Some of the responses:

OK. Exactly what god(s) should all kneel before to unify our country?
For those of us that don’t believe in any god, are we incapable of ever being patriotic Americans?

If there’s one thing that should unify this country, it would be getting vaccinated. Spearheaded, of course, by elected officials who prioritize their constituents’ health and the future of this country above personal ambition.

You vaccinated?

The GQP proved that the Flag can also be a weapon to attack police with.

“It’s a symbol of freedom – but I said stand up for it!”

Y’all are funny…

Ummm…. isn’t that 2 things?

No. Stop representing me by pushing religion with your political platform.

No. Nope. Uh uh. Gfy.
I like our constitution and especially the first amendment. I love our secular design. You Christofascists want to destroy the very things I cherish. So, no. [….]

Yep! That’s the one thing. (It’s amazing how little regard you actually have for your constituents).

Nothing says “freedom” like government officials mandating respect for their flag and their God.

If that’s the case, then why did tRump supporters use the flag, with a pole, as a weapon against the Capitol police? You should speak to tRump supporters about this. Quit whining and tweeting and do something constructive.

What unifies us is the right to do that or to choose not to and not be attacked or made to feel like a pariah by elected officials because you believe differently or not at all. You purposely make divisive comments like this. Not everyone in your district is like you.

Well… Don’t you kneel when Trump orders you to swallow?

Bro, I don’t believe in your god so why the fuck would I kneel for something I don’t believe in???

Stop shoving your religion down people’s throat, hypocrite.

Kneeling down before god? Lol you and your cult are all about people kneeling huh? Trump paid Stormy $250k to keep that silent, but you didn’t seem to mind.

Keep religion out of your mouth when you support immoral ass people. Using religion as a way to scare people. Dumbass

Pretty sure that should be 2 completely separate things. One has nothing to do with the other. Those of us who don’t believe in god are not less patriotic than your smug, hypocritical, fake ass

Nationalism and Religion don’t mix you fucking weasel.

Fascist pig.