FACT CHECK #QDATVE_0

EXHIBIT A

What you submitted

WHAT WE FOUND

The Treaty of Tripoli is often cited in discussions regarding religion in government because of Article 11 2. The most common English version, translated by Joel Barlow, claims the U.S. is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion 3 5. However, historians have identified that this English translation is inaccurate when compared to the original Arabic text 6. The Arabic version of the article contains no such statement, focusing instead on religious opinions not being a pretext for violating the treaty 6. Because of this discrepancy, some argue the English text was essentially an unofficial addition by Barlow or a specific declaration regarding state establishment 1 4. Thus, the clause is viewed by some as an unreliable representation of the original diplomatic agreement 2 6.

SOURCES

1. 1 · avalon.law.yale.eduACADEMIC
   Treaty of Peace and Friendship, Signed at Tripoli ...

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2. 2 · en.wikipedia.orgWEB
   Treaty of Tripoli

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3. 3 · firstamendment.mtsu.eduACADEMIC
   1797 Treaty of Tripoli | The First Amendment Encyclopedia

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4. 4 · wallbuilders.comWEB
   Treaty of Tripoli

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5. 5 · study.comACADEMIC
   Treaty of Tripoli in 1797: Article 11 - Video

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6. 6 · patheos.comWEB
   Secularists, Please Stop Quoting The Treaty Of Tripoli

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