Freedom of religion means freedom of ALL religions

• Published January 07, 2009

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My spirit always lifts whenever I enter the Capitol Campus, and this Christmas was no exception. Even standing at the bottom of the 42 steps leading to the doors of the Legislative Building, I feel hopeful and want to do more in my life.

This year, I was anticipating something more when I visited the Capitol Rotunda because of the buzz over the holiday displays. The annual Christmas tree display was awesome. It was overflowing with giant ornaments which included stuffed animals and children's books. This tree brought joy to my heart and our family had fun seeing titles of books that we all enjoyed reading.

I didn't see the tree as a religious symbol with ties to paganism. But where were the really controversial displays? Up more steps to the gallery and there was a small, roped off space. Could this be what all the fuss was about? I really expected to see Joseph standing 10 feet tall. There were the placards, too, artfully displayed. It seemed more like I was at the Seattle Art Museum, with some art I can connect with and other stuff I just don't get. Whatever my preference, it's all thought provoking.

As we were discussing the displays, my son asked how I would feel if the Church of Satan sponsored a sign or display. Answering carefully, I decided it would be fine with me as long as our faith wasn't excluded.

Last month, I read about a Christmas pageant at a British grade school that was postponed until after the New Year because the Muslim holiday, Eid al-Adha, interfered with the date of the play. Replacing one religious tradition with another is not freedom of religion.

The decision by our governor to allow the various displays might have been the first time I have completely agreed with her. This is our Legislative Building, where bills are presented and laws made. Controversies can be discussed. And hopefully, improvements for the citizens of Washington can result.

The General Administration office states the Capitol, "... serves as both a working governmental center and a symbol of Washington's free and democratic government." This is the right place to accept displays from any federally recognized religion.

According to Washington State Constitution's Article 1, Section 11: Religious Freedom, "Absolute freedom of conscience in all matters of religious sentiment, belief and worship, shall be guaranteed to every individual ..."

I agree with General Administration that the Legislative Building is Washington's symbol of democracy.

To anyone who believed one side or the other was speaking hatefully, consider this: As much as I love hearing about Jesus, I know there are those who hate listening about him. My love speech is someone else's hate speech. This is what makes our guarantees under the First Amendment so great. I might not enjoy hearing the views of atheists, but I enjoy being able to express my views freely.

I do not want to live in a state where I would be censored.

On the posters, the atheists wrote, " ... may reason prevail," and the Christians wrote, " ... may reason and hope prevail."

I'll take the latter with hope added. Regarding my hope for this year's displays: May reason prevail.

Jamie Kenny, a member of The Olympian's Board of Contributors, lives in Tenino with her husband and two teenage children. She can be reached at kpraise2him@scattercreek.com.