---
"title": "The Supreme Court’s Decision in Gonzales v. O Centro Espirita"
"description": "On Feb. 29, 2006, the Supreme Court ruled that the adherents of a small religious group can continue, for now at least, to import and use an illegal drug in their worship services. The court, in a unanimous decision written by new Chief Justice John Roberts, held that the federal government had not adequately demonstrated […]"
"date": "2006-04-06"
"authors":
  -
    "name": "Joseph Liu"
    "job_title": "Guest Contributor"
"url": "https://alpha.pewresearch.org/pewresearch-org/religion/2006/04/06/the-supreme-courts-decision-in-gonzales-v-o-centro-espirita/"
"categories":
  - "Beliefs & Practices"
  - "Supreme Court"
---

# The Supreme Court’s Decision in *Gonzales v. O Centro Espirita*

On Feb. 29, 2006, the Supreme Court ruled that the adherents of a small religious group can continue, for now at least, to import and use an illegal drug in their worship services. The court, in a unanimous decision written by new Chief Justice John Roberts, held that the federal government had not adequately demonstrated that it had a compelling interest in banning what even federal prosecutors admit is a “sincere religious practice.”