Why a bunch of religious groups are picking a misguided fight with the Obama administration

[rug]

10/12/16 2:34 PM
By Patrick Hogan

When the Catholic, Mormon, Southern Baptist, African Methodist Episcopal and other Christian churches collaborate on a letter with a Muslim liberal arts college, an Orthodox Jewish organization and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, it’s bound to get attention—especially if they’re all making the wrong argument.

Those groups all sent a joint letter to President Obama, Sen. Orin Hatch and Rep. Paul Ryan last week to criticize a recent report from the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

“Peaceful Coexistence: Reconciling Nondiscrimination Principles with Civil Liberties” is a 296-page-long report issued by the commission that gives recommendations on how to balance freedom of religion with non-discrimination laws. The commission is concerned with the growing use of “religious freedom” arguments that are being used to justify discrimination against different groups.

The report mentions the recent crop of Religious Freedom Restoration Acts in states like Indiana and Georgia, but also points to court decisions such as Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores Inc, where the Supreme Court allowed a for-profit company to deny healthcare it viewed as against its religion to women employees.

http://fusion.net/story/357130/religious-freedom-civil-rights-discrimination/

http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/upload/Letter-to-President-Senator-Hatch-Speaker-Ryan-FINAL-dated-October-7.pdf

http://www.usccr.gov/pubs/Peaceful-Coexistence-09-07-16.PDF

[Bernardo de La Paz]

1. "Religious freedom" was used as an excuse for discriminating against African Americans. . . . nt

[rug]

2. Are you talking about slavery, segregation or the "Mark of Cain" crap that was finally repudiated?

[Nitram]

3. Very wrongheaded. These people should read the constitution.