Democracy Challenges Quotes
At the time there was an issue of religious freedom that is in public discourse: It emanated from the Obama Care law which required employers to provide health insurance that does not discriminate against women by refusing to disallow coverage for birth control (pills, diaphragms, etc.) This legislation covered the employees of general institutions run by religions such as schools, hospitals, and retirement communities. Roman Catholics and other religions which viewed birth control as a sin were put in a position where they had to pay for something that they regarded as sinful. So the church did not have complete religious freedom. However, if these institutions would deny to their employees a basic right that the law says belongs to all institutions. If an exception would be made for birth control what about blood transfusions. The Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that autologous blood transfusions are contrary to the world of God. So what if institutions they run decided to not cover these transfusions in their insurance policies? Or a Jewish University or a Muslim cultural center decided not to cover medical procedures in hospitals that serve pork? There have been many examples where one religion’s freedom has been curtailed slightly when they conflict with individual rights or other rights. Plural marriage for Mormons and Muslims are against the law. Christian Scientists have been forced to provide medical care for some members even though their religion prohibits it. There is no solution that will not curtail someone’s rights under some circumstances.
