The UDV's posture in this matter is the archetypal situation where increased protection for religious exercise is called for. No personal, subjective claim of a right to be exempted from the general criminal laws, or to use hoasca tea other than as part of a religious sacrament, is at issue. Rather, the question is whether this religion's right to administer its sacraments during its religious services will be tested by application of the compelling interest test Congress decided would apply under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

The interference with UDV goes to the core of its religious practices for its faithful. These intrusions must be subjected to the most rigorous scrutiny if religious autonomy is to continue to have vigor.

The judgment below should be affirmed.