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Shunning is part of  these typically religious teachings and practices secular authorities should not interfere with.

Courts of law throughout the world have concluded that teaching and practicing shunning is protected by religious liberty. They are right.

Opponents argue that “even children” are disfellowshipped. They call 17-year-olds “children” too, and turn a rare (but understandable) occurrence into a major issue.

There are several myths about shunning. It has exceptions, such as for cohabiting relatives. It is painful for both shunners and shunned. Its aim is both protecting the believers and inducing the sinners to repent.

Disassociation is not the same as simply becoming inactive. And there is no disfellowshipping for minor mistakes, only for unrepentant serious sins.

Shunning disfellowshipped ex-members is typical of monotheistic religions. Scholars have argued there is a reason for it.