Don't abuse 'Freedom of Religion' in order to legalize discrimination

Two of the major tenants of our Constitution and Bill of Rights are the Separation of Church and State and the Freedom of Religion. Politicians, especially Republicans, are trying to twist these rights to further their power and influence.

First of all, Freedom of Religion is our RIGHT. The first Amendment in the Constitution reads: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

This means all Americans and visitors have the inalienable right to practice whatever religion they choose. Sadly, certain religious groups and Republicans are trying to force THEIR religious views on everyone and are trying to use Federal and State laws to do it. This violates the tenant of Separation of Church and State, and clearly violates the first sentence of the amendment: No law respecting an establishment of religion.

Yes, these groups also have the right to their religion, but they do not have the right to put their views and beliefs above anyone else's beliefs. Legally, they do not have the right to create and enforce laws that restrict another person or group's rights. This means that any laws enacted on the grounds of religion or moral reasons that they tout as Christian ideals (but in reality are only one narrow view of Christianity) are UNCONSTITUTIONAL! Those illegal laws include banning birth control, abortions, gay marriage, and other prohibitions regarding women, the LGBTQ community, and racial minorities, all of which are UNCONSTITUTIONAL! Politicians have no right to create and pass laws that interfere with MY religion and MY beliefs, nor anyone else's. They are just trying to make discrimination legal.

Recently, the United States Supreme Court ruled that gay marriage is a right protected by the US Constitution in all 50 states. Unfortunately the current administration is trying to discredit that ruling and some states are attempting to thwart the decree.

Claiming freedom of religion in order to discriminate against the LGBTQ community and to ban abortions is a violation of EVERYONE'S right to Freedom of Religion. Republican politicians are trying to suppress my rights in favor of those who give them money. This needs to STOP and we need to KEEP the amendments that prohibits churches from promoting political agendas and politicians from promoting religious ones. We also need to overturn ALL laws that put limits on abortions, ban or otherwise limit people based on gender, color, orientation, etc., and any that seem to prioritize one's religions over us all.

Remember what Ben Franklin said: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

Please help me reach out to those in power to change the status quo and give our established rights to ALL people in our nation. We must fight those who want to take away our rights.

IF YOU ARE ABLE TO SIGN THIS PETITION, PLEASE INCLUDE ANY LAWS YOU KNOW OF IN YOUR STATE THAT VIOLATES THIS RIGHT.





Ohio--Recently they tried to enact a law that would ban abortions as soon as doctors detect a fetal heartbeat, which can be as soon as 6 weeks. Some women don't even know they are pregnant at 6 weeks! They "compromised" at banning abortions past twenty weeks, but even that restricts our right to abortion.

My view is that life starts when a baby is viable; can live outside of the mother's body. Some people believe it starts at conception, others only if the baby is born. The problem is our "elected" leaders are trying to force their opinions and only their opinions onto everyone. Abortion should be a personal choice, hopefully with both parents, but ultimately the woman has to carry the child and has the final say.