Tag Archives: Religious Freedom

The Law vs Freedom of Religion

03 Thursday Sep 2015

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For those of you who have followed me this past year, you know I rarely wade into the murky waters of politics, religion etc. I’ve even been biting my tongue on the subject of Donald Trump running for President and you have no idea how difficult that’s been! In the case of this woman though, I honestly feel the need to say something. I sincerely hope I won’t offend anyone who reads this. 

For anyone who hasn’t read or heard about this, Kim Davis is a Democratic clerk in Rowan County, Kentucky. Part of her job is to issue marriage licenses, something she’s refused to do since the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage over two months ago. Citing her religious convictions and stating “her conscience won’t allow it.” Ms Davis was jailed for contempt earlier today. 

Now don’t get me wrong. I’m a firm believer in someone’s religious freedoms, even when they spout such hateful nonsense as: “I’m willing to face my consequences as you all will face your consequences when it comes time for judgement.” While I’m personally saddened when I hear statements such as this, people have the right to their own religious convictions. What I take issue with is when those beliefs interfere with the law. What makes this case even more ironic is the fact that before Ms Davis’s religious epiphany (which took place four years ago), she was divorced three times! One of the couples who have been fighting for their right as stated under the law, have been domestic partners for seventeen years. That’s right. David Moore and David Ermold have been a committed couple for more than four times as long as this civil servant who thinks she has the right to stand in the way of their being joined in marriage. Does anyone else see the hypocrisy in this? There’s also the fact that she’s being paid while not doing her job. Because she’s an elected official she can’t be fired and it would take a rather complicated political process to remove her.

My advice to Ms Davis and the other three county clerks in Kentucky who are also refusing to obey the law due to their religious beliefs: Resign. I may not agree with you, but I’d have a lot more respect for you. It’s not okay for you or anyone else to use personal religious beliefs as a tool to prevent other people from exercising their own civil rights.