Protect the First Amendment

Through the ages, traditional groups have attempted to establish a state mandated religion for the purpose of enhancing its power over inhabitants and enemies. It was good for cohesion but eventually led to oppressive control. Being crucified, fed to lions, tortured, burned at the stake, or just fired is a deterrent for most to self-regulate ideas and behavior, to conformity.

The First Amendment in the US was written to protect us from this. Neither state nor religion were to influence or benefit from each other. Thus everyone was free to practice their religion unmolested for doing so, and the state was free to carry on the business of governing for the civil good of all citizens, believers and non-believers.

We are now in danger of loosing the benefits of the 1st Amendment that were not intended to guarantee any religion that did not believe or approve of a service the right to impose their beliefs on others and refuse that lawful service to other citizens.

We are not a Christian State. But we have been bombarded by those who believe they are being prohibited their freedoms because they cannot impose their beliefs on all citizens. This is the opposite of the First Amendment.

People have the freedom to choose not to have an abortion, vasectomy, use contraception,etc. but they have no right to impose their beliefs or practices on other citizens or refuse services or products allowed by law. Beware the slippery slope!

This story was originally published August 16, 2017 at 5:03 PM with the headline "Protect the First Amendment."