This article examines the problems related to the implementation of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act in 1978. Problems remain in the peyote area. Avoiding the consequences of anti-peyote legislation entails membership in the Native American Church. Debate also continues concerning the effects of peyote. Another area of litigation involves other objects regarded as sacred which, at the same time, have been given protected status by legislation. These include a variety of game animals and selected plants. Relationships between life-style and American Indian religions have been a concern in court cases. Recent litigation has focused on access to and control of sacred sites. This is an area of measuring the progress of equal protection for American Indian religious freedom.