Hedonists Claim Idaho Imposes Religious Beliefs via Alcohol Control Laws

A group calling itself “The Ethereal Enigmatic Euphoric Movement Towards Civilized Hedonism, Ltd.” has sued Idaho in federal court, alleging that a state law allowing cities to “prohibit the sale of distilled spirits” violates members’ fundamental right to practice their religion. The Ethereal Enigmatic Euphoric Movement Towards Civilized Hedonism, Ltd. v. Idaho, No. 11-00097 (D. Idaho, E. Div., filed March 11, 2011).

According to the complaint, the city of Preston in Franklin County has relied on the state law to forbid the sale of liquor by the drink. The plaintiff contends that this happened because more than 80 percent of local voters belong to The Church of Christ of the Latter Day Saints, whose members allegedly “believe that drinking alcoholic beverages is a mortal sin.”

The plaintiff alleges that these voters “are allowed to force their morality on those of us who don’t believe in their religion,” and that, in fact, Euphoric Movement members “believe the consumption of distilled spirits is both our moral obligation and sacred right.” Denying Euphoric Movement members “the right to drink is a violation of our constitutional rights,” according to the complaint, which was filed pro se and signed by an individual named Philip Henry Mockli.