Freedom of Religion

            The liberty principle for this Freedom Friday is a reminder that Freedom of Religion is a right of all Americans. The Bill of Rights does not discriminate against any religion. All people in America have the right to worship how they choose without interference from the government.

            This freedom for Christians is increasing under attack from various groups. Gay rights groups have sued bakers, florists, photographers, etc. for declining to participate in same-sex marriages for religious purposes, and courts have backed them up. A couple in Oregon had to close their cake business and were fined $135,000 for refusing to bake a cake for a gay couple.

            A representative from the Alliance for Defending Freedom (ADF) recently visited the University of Wisconsin-Madison to discover what college students think about religious freedom. “When students were asked if they believe a fashion designer has the right to opt out of designing dresses for first lady Melania Trump or if a Muslim singer has the right to opt out of singing at a Christian church on Easter, they were unified in their thinking and affirmed those rights. `You should be able to control your business in that regard’ one student said.” Another student agreed, “Yeah, you have the right to opt out of whatever you want.” A third student supported the first two, “I mean if that goes against your religious views then, yeah, gotta turn that down.”

            The ADF represented spoke with students about a new law in Madison that seeks to force people to “promote gay marriage or abortion if [they promote] pro-life messages and traditional marriage.” The students said that it was “probably not” a good law and “goes against people’s rights.” The students answered differently when the roles were reversed. When asked whether a Christian photographer should “opt out of taking photographs for a same-sex wedding,” the students answered, “Probably not because that would bring up some legal issues,” “I think it’s very difficult to determine what reason it is that you’d make that decision unless you’re very steadfast in your religion, in which case you’re a jerk for doing that,” “If it was switched to Christian views, then they shouldn’t be able to do that… I just think it should be … fair,” and “That’s such a sticky issue.”

            Apparently, all Americans except Christians have the freedom to exercise their religion. If Christians attempt to stay true to their religious beliefs, they are “jerks.” They should give up their beliefs and do whatever someone else wants them to do – whether it is bake cakes, take pictures, provide flowers, or whatever. Non-Christians, particularly Muslims, have no such controls put on them. Does that seem fair to you? Where is the freedom of religion for Christians?