What precedent did the Reynolds case set?

The Reynolds case, decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1879, set a significant precedent regarding the limits of religious freedom under the First Amendment. It established that while individuals are free to hold their religious beliefs, those beliefs do not exempt them from complying with laws that are neutral and generally applicable, particularly in the context of polygamy. This ruling emphasized the distinction between belief and practice, reinforcing that the government can regulate actions that may be deemed harmful or contrary to societal norms, even if those actions are rooted in religious practice.