Fighting For Religious Freedom In the United States

Given the history of the United States, it is hard to believe that we are once again fighting for religious freedom when the First Amendment of the US Constitution guarantees the right of every American to practice their religion as they see fit.  Yet, here we are.  Orthodox Christians, Jews and Muslims are being forced  by the government, under penalty of losing everything they own to provide services to Gays and Lesbians.  This is not about a Gay or Lesbian walking into a bakery or flower shop and buying baked goods or flowers, that right to protection from discrimination is unquestioned; but rather about a Florist, or Baker, or any other business owner being forced to participate in a Gay Wedding that is contrary to their religious beliefs. 

At this moment, a Florist in Washington state, that regularly sold flowers to a Gay couple when they walked in the door; but refused to participate in their wedding ceremony is under threat of losing everything she owns because she practiced her Christian faith.  There is something very wrong with this picture.  This issue is much bigger than just Gay Weddings.  A Pediatrician in Michigan turned away caring for a Gay couple's baby because given her Christian faith, she did not think should could develop a relationship with the Gay couple.  And, there are many doctors and others working in the medical profession, not to mention Catholic hospitals, that will not perform abortions because of their Christian faith. 

Since virtually everyone in the United States, except White Men under 40 years old, are now in one protected class or another, it would be very easy for someone to claim they are being discriminated against if turned away from buying goods or services because of the seller's religious faith.  i.e. this Blogger would not sell to a known Abortionist, Murderer, or Child Molester because of my Christian faith.  If said person happened to be in a protected class; i.e. a Gay Abortionist, a Black Abortionist etc, I could be accused of discrimination and be involved in a lengthy legal battle to preserve my religious freedom and property.  Further, as a company owner that provides and pays for medical insurance for our employees, to the degree possible, I made sure that our company medical insurance plan does not cover elective abortions because of my religious beliefs.   My wife and I are very involved in supporting the Pro Life movement, as a result of our Christian faith, so how on earth could we knowingly participate in paying for abortions.    

This issue is a real test for Republicans.  Religious Freedom is non-negotiable.  The Republican Governor of Indiana, Mike Pence and the Governor of Arkansas, Asa Hutchinson, just failed the test.  If Pence had any thoughts about running for President, he can forget about it.  They both cowardered to the LGBT community and business interests that are so threatened by left wing radicals, they they will not stand up for religious freedom.  Some other Republicans, though not all, are fighting for our religious liberty.  One thing is for sure, this Conservative Blogger will not vote for any Republican that does not support the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, as written by our Founding Fathers, related to Religious Freedom, in particular.   I am not Anti-Gay and would sell to Gays; but this issue is bigger than just a Gay Wedding; that's for sure.  The rights of all concerned must be balanced, if we are to live in a free and fair country.