RELIGION: Rights extend to everyone

In response to Frank D. Gunseor, I would first like to know just how familiar he is with his own Bible? According to the Apostle Paul, “We have all sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God.” Therefore, exactly who isn’t immoral: Who enters a grocery store, clothing store, fast food restaurant, pharmacy, among other business establishments? If a business wishes to discriminate based on “morality,” the business owner would have too few customers around to make a profit. And if “religious freedom” or arguments of “conscious” deprive people such as Mr. Gunseor of lifesaving transfusions or medication, I know of no Biblical passage, in either the Old Testament or New, that would even support this particular claim. Jesus healed the sick, without asking whether they were “moral enough” to receive treatment. He also spoke of forgiveness. If God could forgive sinners, then the people whom God forgave should be just as prepared to “pass it on,” forgiving others in turn. Using “religious freedom” to show nothing but contempt for our fellow residents of Idaho isn’t moral.

In the real world, medical doctors who refused to provide a lifesaving operation would hold themselves and their respective hospitals criminally and civilly liable. Just as people dispensing (or refusing to) medications at a pharmacy need to remember the obligation to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” A “conscious” argument that goes against that second of “two greatest commandments,” isn’t moral.

And finally, why is the Idaho state legislature called upon to expand the size of government exclusively on behalf of religious special interests? I’d suggest to Mr. Gunseor that he take a good long look at the U.S. Constitution. Article 6 includes no religious tests for public office. The First Amendment includes no establishment of, or prohibition of, religion and thus, the free exercise thereof. Later amendments take into consideration that federal rights are equally applicable to the states. Mr. Gunseor needs to remember that we ALL have the same rights to religious freedoms. It isn’t an exclusive argument to big government, politically activists, religious groups.

JOAN HARMAN

Coeur d’Alene