States Can Endorse a Religion?
The First Amendment says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." It never says that a State cannot endorse a religion. Does this mean that a state can endorse a religion?
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many states had official state religions at the time the constitution was ratified. Connecticut was the last state to end their "state religion" in 1818. The first amendment was not originally intended as a restriction on the ability of the states to have official religions; it only restricted the Federal Government. The 14th Amendment has been interpreted (ratified in 1867) to suggest that states cannot have an official religion as it might "abridge the privileges or immunities" of U.S. citizens
Its Due Process Clause prohibits state and local governments from depriving persons (individual and corporate) of life, liberty, or property without certain steps being taken. This clause has been used to make most of the Bill of Rights applicable to the states, as well as to recognize substantive rights and procedural rights.
From a strict constructionist point of view yes. From a loose constructionist point of view, no.
no they can not but the New York city consul can