Which statement about the Lemon Test's 'Effect' prong is correct?

Which statement about the Lemon Test's 'Effect' prong is correct?

• A. The effect must be to advance religion
• B. The effect must not advance nor inhibit religion
• C. The effect must primarily inhibit religion
• D. The effect is irrelevant

Answer: (B)

Neutrality toward religion in government action is what the Effect prong of the Lemon test requires. The government action must have a secular purpose and, crucially, its principal effect must be neither to advance nor to inhibit religion. This means the outcome cannot be designed to help religious institutions or to hinder religion; it must be neutral. So the statement that the effect must not advance nor inhibit religion is the best fit. Saying the effect is irrelevant or that it must primarily inhibit or promote religion would ignore the required neutral impact.

Neutrality toward religion in government action is what the Effect prong of the Lemon test requires. The government action must have a secular purpose and, crucially, its principal effect must be neither to advance nor to inhibit religion. This means the outcome cannot be designed to help religious institutions or to hinder religion; it must be neutral. So the statement that the effect must not advance nor inhibit religion is the best fit. Saying the effect is irrelevant or that it must primarily inhibit or promote religion would ignore the required neutral impact.