Religious freedom was repeatedly violated during COVID. Yet it is essential for everyone—not only for people of faith. It enables all people to live according to their conscience, regardless of their religious convictions.
U.S. anti-discrimination laws face a serious challenge after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a website designer is not compelled to create works that conflict with her religious beliefs on same-sex marriage.
Bernanos and Poulenc dare us to ask why men of differing opinions would condemn their fellow men to death, leading to new waves of chaos and destruction.
During COVID, Western nations did the unthinkable by banning religious gatherings and services. Many states deemed ‘inessential’ what all believers consider most essential: the act of gathering together to worship God.
The right to freedom of religion and belief, enshrined in international law, includes the right to manifest one’s belief both in private and public. It is not for politicians or the government to dictate what words we direct toward God or to interpret religious scripture.
The Council of State sided with Christians on the issue and stated that a total ban on conversion therapy would also violate people’s freedom to choose their own therapy.
Failing to defend the right to speak freely helps to foster a culture in which people must self-censor, leading to a society that is radically changed for the worse.
The ‘Respect for Marriage Act’ advanced with the support from twelve U.S. Senate Republicans would require all 50 states to recognize the validity of same-sex marriage.
