I rarely ever speak about political issues, but lately issues that surround the delicate fabric of the freedom of religious expression have particularly piqued my interest and stirred something in me. For example, A Fayetteville city Alderman is ashamed of those who oppose a proposed ordinance that elevates the civil liberties of some over the civil liberties of others (a competition that doesnt actually happen in a truly free society) while over-extending the reach of a local governments policing powers. She accused the audience of being hateful... because anytime Christians speak up for religious liberty, theyre being hateful, right? At least it helps if we can somehow cast them that way. Then theres this paragraph... The alderman went on to say she was disappointed in hateful statements made by audience members. A member of the crowd asked her which statements were hateful, after which there was commotion and Marsh said, I could see it in their faces. I am outraged. ... so nothing then. Nothing was actually hateful, apparently, but people were visibly upset that an ordinance they dont want is being pushed through - an ordinance that will absolutely limit the religious freedom of local business owners. All six aldermen voted in favor of the second reading an on its third (in two weeks) it will most likely pass. Discrimination is wrong. But not every law that claims to be an anti-discrimination law is a good law. Some have potentially damaging longer term side effects. Most of the people in Fayetteville who oppose this law dont hate anyone or wish for discrimination to take place, but do want to preserve the freedom to operate businesses by their religious convictions. Heres a link to the news story: 5newsonline/2014/08/05/fayetteville-considers-new-position-to-enforce-anti-discrimination-policies/ And heres a link to the actual ordinance that you should read for yourself before jumping into any debates about who is right or wrong in the debate: wonderstatemedia/docs/fayettevillecitycouncil/2014/071514/C9-Enact_Chapter_119_Civil_Rights_Administration.pdf No seriously, read the whole thing before agreeing or disagreeing. And while you read it, ask yourself, does this ordinance place too much policing power in the hands of local government when it comes to the rights of local business owners? And know that it over-reaches all federal laws related to its subject.
Posted on: Wed, 06 Aug 2014 02:59:04 +0000
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