The Democrats were instrumental in passing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Now, many–if not most–are implacable opponents, believing it interferes with gay rights.
But another burr under the liberal saddle is the use of the law by Christians opposed to providing contraception as a benefit of employment, as in Hobby Lobby and the Little Sisters of the Poor.
Thus, it is hardly surprising that Representatives Joe Kennedy and Bobby Scott have introduced the ridiculously named, “Do No Harm Act,” to gut the RFRA. From the bill:
It is the sense of Congress that— 7 (1) the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 8 1993 should not be interpreted to authorize an exemption from generally applicable law that imposes the religious views, habits, or practices of one party upon another;
(2) the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 5 1993 should not be interpreted to authorize an exemption from generally applicable law that imposes meaningful harm, including dignitary harm, on a third party;
“Dignitary harm!” Talk about a subjective term that could apply to almost anything.
This is the idea. Democrats like Kennedy/Scott believe that when Hobby Lobby doesn’t pay for employee’s birth control, they are actually imposing their religion on employees.
The same would apply to abortion if Obamacare ever requires free coverage–surely the plan–and assisted suicide, sex change surgeries, etc. etc. etc.
If this bill passes, one of the last vestiges of religions liberty in this country will be obliterated in the name of furthering a particular social agenda favored by the left.
Or, to use a phrase President Obama often deploys, we will have freedom of worship in this country–say, the right to believe Communion is the blood and body of Christ, or that Mohammad is the Prophet–but not the free exercise of religion in the way faithful people live their lives in the public sphere.
Caesar worship anybody?