Democrats turn against religious freedom

Indiana’s new religious-freedom law, which has prompted calls for a state boycott because it might permit discrimination against gays and lesbians, was made law by a Republican governor and Republican legislature. But the controversy could also ensnare leading Democrats like President Barack Obama, Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and New York Senator Chuck Schumer, who previously supported bills with similar effects years ago.

“The Religious Freedom Restoration Act was signed into federal law by President Bill Clinton more than 20 years ago,” said Indiana Governor Mike Pence on ABC’s This Week, defending his state’s actions by pointing to similar federal legislation. “Indiana properly brought the same version that then state senator Barack Obama voted for in Illinois before our legislature.”

The Indiana law prohibits the state from enacting statutes that “substantially burden” a person’s ability to follow his or her religious beliefs. Critics argue it could be used to allow businesses to discriminate against gay and lesbian Americans in the state, prompting criticism from executives at companies like Apple, Salesforce.com and the NCAA, which will host the men’s Final Four basketball tournament in Indianapolis next weekend.

Democrats, including Hillary Clinton and aides to President Obama have also criticized the law. “Sad this new Indiana law can happen in America today. We shouldn’t discriminate against ppl bc of who they love,” Clinton tweeted over the weekend.
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The Democrats began this turn against religious freedom when Obamacare imposed requirements on people who oppose contraception and abortions.   The real issue here is not who they love but whether you have to participate in their weddings or risk losing your business and life savings.  It is not like gay couples can't find alternative suppliers for cakes and flowers.  It is about imposing their will on people who disagree with them.

Will they force ministers to perform weddings?  Will they then force doctors to perform abortions are risk losing their ability to practice medicine?  What is the limiting principle they see in requiring people to do something their conscience tells them not to do?

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