“We hold these truths to be self-evident.” These are the opening words of our Declaration of Independence, though many are probably unaware that Jefferson’s original draft used the word “sacred.” Franklin removed “sacred” in favor of “self-evident.” This is proof that our country was, and should still be, based on the principle of Freedom of Religion.
Our country has been engaged in an escalating struggle to retain this founding principle. For example, the “issue” of a woman’s legal right to choose to abort a fetus has been challenged by many state legislatures and national organizations, and has been the cause of violence and murder.
The belief that a clump of cells, that could fit on the head of a pin, is a ‘person’ is a religious belief. It is unconstitutional for any person or group to give the force of law to their own religious beliefs. As a fetus becomes viable, discussion becomes more appropriate. Personally, I think partial birth abortion is premeditated murder. The issues are not simple.
Recently, Republican Presidential hopeful Marco Rubio openly stated his Catholic religion teaches life begins at conception. He opposes all abortions, and would impose that belief, as law, on the country. He, and others, favor granting ‘personhood’ status from conception. It is fine that he and his church hold this belief. It is wholly unacceptable to impose those religious beliefs on everyone else.
Muslims have been divided into two warring parts since the year 632. They are still murdering and persecuting each other. Europe was torn apart over religious differences for centuries. Do the people of the United States really want to emulate this behavior? Freedom of Religion also means freedom from the imposition of someone else’s religious beliefs. This founding principle applies to many issues, not just abortion, and should remain self-evident.
God help our conflicted country.
Claire Kelly
Stevensville