As public servant Kim Davis has no right to shirk duties

Kim Davis claims the right not to perform a Supreme Court mandated public duty, gay marriage, because it conflicts with her religious beliefs. Many are coming to Kim Davis' side claiming she is being denied her freedom of religion.

In the United States, Kim Davis has the right to any religious belief she chooses. One's strongly held beliefs and convictions should guide one in their chosen vocation and their actions, but incompatibility between practicing one's religious beliefs and performing one's public duties does not constitute denial of religious freedom. Public employment is not a right we are all entitled to regardless of conflicts between our duties and our chosen religious values.

Would a member of a religion that did not believe in blood transfusions be justified in denying them as an emergency room physician in a public hospital? Would a person who believed illness is the result of sin and only prayer is necessary to cure disease be entitled to work as a physician for the VA? Should members of the armed forces or the police be excused from combat or physical confrontation because of pacifist religious beliefs?

Freedom of religion means we have the right to believe, or not, in whatever faith we choose and practice it, or not, in our homes and places of worship. It does not mean we are entitled to jobs

This story was originally published September 10, 2015 at 8:44 AM with the headline "As public servant Kim Davis has no right to shirk duties."