I’m still trying to understand why Indiana just passed their so-called “Religious Freedom Restoration Act.”
Indiana Governor Mike Pence spent the weekend trying to justify the new law. I think it was an impossible task, for at least two reasons.
The first is that protecting religious freedom is not and never can be a basis for discrimination.
We can thank the civil rights movement for leading our country to understand that religious beliefs are no justification for businesses refusing to serve customers because of the color of their skin.
That now applies to any group being discriminated against, and we are a better nation because of it. What is more, most Americans agree.
Granted, the current Supreme Court Five who are driven more by ideology than law are chipping away at this fundamental principle of equal justice (their “Hobby Lobby” decision), but public reaction to what Indiana did demonstrates that the majority of Americans are still committed to it.
They also see right through efforts to disguise discrimination. Put a religious robe on it, declare you are simply protecting your religious liberty, insist you are the one being discriminated against, but at the end of the day what you are doing will be seen by most people as indefensible.
The second reason defending this new law is an impossible task is that its supporters are guilty of confusing beliefs with morality.
Discrimination is morally wrong. Whatever you may believe, when you act in an immoral way you can never convince most people you are doing what is right.
Some Indiana business owners and others may sincerely believe homosexuality is morally wrong, but acting in an immoral way themselves undermines respect for their belief.
Here’s why. The Golden Rule – treating someone else the way you want to be treated – is still the most universally recognized measure of goodness there is.
Consciously or unconsciously people everywhere believe in this code of conduct. Ignore or disregard it and no one will buy your reason for doing so. That’s what Indiana political leaders are now finding out. Other states considering similar laws, beware.
But the story has actually taken a turn for the worse. Apparently the only thing supporters of the law are responding to is the threat of losing money for the state of Indiana.
How sad is that.
Forget about moral commitments, a sense of justice, of doing what is right because it is right, or the Golden rule.
Money talks, and so it may have a lot to say in how this ill-advised action by the Indiana legislature and governor eventually plays out. Or it may not.
Either way, nothing can change the fact that what has been done casts a long shadow over what being religious means in the state of Indiana today.
linnposts.com 
The whole situation is absolutely disgusting.
Once again your reasoned response is solid and insightful. There are other influences at play in this issue, I believe. Fear of something other than ones own sense of what is moral can be an impactful motivator. Fear alone propels people to act in very odd ways. I wise man said that to me very recently.
There’s an old Kris Kristofferson song, “Jesus Was A Capricorn” that had a line in it about we hate anything that we don’t understand. That, I think, is one of the practical expressions of fear.
…the chorus:
‘Cause everybody’s gotta have somebody to look down on
Prove they can be better than at any time they choose
Someone doin’ somethin’ dirty decent folks can frown on
If you can’t find nobody else, then help yourself to me
I think he attributes the song to John Prine in the liner notes… I may be wrong.
I love social comment songs. The best writer of them came from right here in Minnesota.
I see that IN Gov Pence wants a bill on his desk by the end of this week that says Ooops and removes the heat from IN. I never figured out what the point of this Religious Freedom Restoration Act was in the first place. I have not read the text of the bill, maybe if I had I could figure it out, but I wouldn’t bet on it.. Arkansas is set to follow suit soon. I wish I knew what the point of these kinds of bills is. At least AZ’s was quite specific and clear in that it would allow discrimination based on “sincerely held religious beliefs: whatever that is.
“I never figured out what the point of this Religious Freedom Restoration Act was in the first place.”
My guess, Wally, is that it became law to appease the uber-religious, right-wing conservatives in Indiana and other states that have similar laws. I think they are trying to establish a “Christian Nation” via law making. However, with the tunnel vision that plagues them they can’t think it through for the unintended consequences that are now evident.
(Great to connect with again via “The Oracle of Hayes Road.”)
I think you named the reason for these laws in your sentence about the one in AZ Brewer vetoed. It is all about discrimination. The complaint about religion freedom being in jeopardy is worst than untrue, it is exactly what segregationists argued.
Sheesh, I’ve forgotten my html codes… ie:
In general, I think if everyone lived by The Golden Rule, we could get rid of the vast majority, or maybe even all, of the religions in the world. I think then the world would be a MUCH more peaceful place.
Rollie,
I think your guess is right on!
Golden Rule: OK, Got it!! I have had people call me names, snear at me, all for mistaken ideas of what I said or did. They NEVER once asked for clarification; they just “judged” by what THEY THOUGHT they heard or saw. THEREFORE: I am allowed to treat them as they treated me–Golden Rule!!! They are SHOWING me how they want me to treat them. They “did unto me how they want me to do unto them!” Got it!!!
The Golden Rule doesn’t come close to saying what you said. Too bad you cannot grasp such a simple ethical principle.
“Cannot grasp” ???? Are you kidding?? You DON’T “get” the irony?? It is very simplified!! Too bad you didn’t check it out; instead you “judged” me! Shame on you!