Important to know your religious freedom rights

By Staff Reports -

11/28/18 1:29 AM


I was saddened to hear about the Oct. 27 shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue. Everyone should be able to attend worship services without worrying that someone would target them solely because of their religion.

I was pleased to learn that a local interfaith group held a service on Nov. 1 for those killed in the shooting. Our community has come together this way before. For example, groups gathered in:

• August 2012 in response to a shooting at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin
• April 2014 to express their concern for the atrocities happening in the Syrian civil war
• September 2014 after three local Christian churches were vandalized

These interfaith gatherings show how those of differing faiths can come together to support each other and protect religious freedom for all. The First Amendment allows all citizens to freely exercise their religion. This constitutional right offers protection to individuals in varying degrees.

The most protection comes in the private sphere. We are all entitled to choose how and what to believe, to teach those beliefs within our families and to worship how we desire. Additionally, everyone has the right to express their views — religious or not — in public, and no one can be discriminated against due to their religion. Churches also have the right to establish their own doctrine, leadership and membership criteria.


In the public sphere, the law permits religious schools to be established and these schools can enact standards that reflect their religious teachings. Additionally, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 allows religious nonprofits to set employment policies that reflect their religious beliefs. Religious charities are also able to function according to their faiths.

In commercial settings, religious freedom often must be tempered with civil rights. No one can be discriminated against in employment or denied service at a public accommodation. However, I believe that businesses should not be forced to produce products that fundamentally conflict with their beliefs and that businesses should be allowed to use symbols or messages that reflect their beliefs. But, businesses cannot deny employment to or refuse to serve someone whose beliefs conflict with the business’ beliefs. Compromise is often necessary in these settings, so everyone’s beliefs are respected. My desire to practice my beliefs should not prevent you from practicing yours.

Since our government cannot endorse any religion, our religious beliefs will likely receive fewer accommodations in the governmental arena. While the government should still respect individuals’ religious freedom, in some situations the individual must put their beliefs aside. For example, a county clerk cannot refuse to perform marriages that are contrary to his or her religious beliefs, particularly if no other clerks are available. Every citizen has the right to government services and their rights are violated if they are refused those services.

No matter what you believe, you have the right to those beliefs and you can exercise those beliefs in your private life. However, in the public sphere, you may have to make compromises to accommodate others’ beliefs. Understanding these differences in your right to follow your beliefs can help us all get along regardless of our beliefs.

We all need to support one another, just as the local interfaith groups demonstrate, so that we can all continue to live and worship how we wish.

Susan Cox is one of The Republic’s community columnists, and all opinions expressed are those of the writer. She is a mother, an adjunct instructor of English at Ivy Tech Community College-Columbus and a substitute teacher for Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. She can be reached at editorial@therepublic.com.

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