Church of Lukumi Babalu v. City of Hialeah The Church of Lukumi Babalu, located in Hialeah, Florida, practiced the Afro-Caribbean-based religion of Santeria. They used animal sacrifice as a form of worship to their god on the celebration of birth, marriage, and death. The case of Church of Lukumi Babalu v. City of Hialeah came to court when the Church of Lukumi Babalu violated the Florida state law of no animal sacrifice or slaughter, unless with a state license. The Church of Lukumi Babalu argued that the city was violating their 1st Amendment rights by not allowing the right of freedom of religion. The City of Hialeah thought otherwise. They argued that animal sacrifice put the citizens of Hialeah's health and safety at risk. The legal