Freedom of Religion

For the past several months I've been reading about how conservatives, usually identified as Christians, have objected to doing work in their field that goes against their religious beliefs: prescribing or handing out emergency contraception to rape survivors, providing fertility treatment for lesbian couples, and so on.

I understand how they feel. As part of my job I have to pleasantly search for and provide materials offensive to my religious and social beliefs. I do it because I believe, as a librarian and as a human being, that people are entitled to hold their own beliefs as long as they aren't hurting anyone else. In my opinion, they need to find a workplace to that is in keeping with their beliefs without denying patients or customers their rights (many of those complaining worked for a publicly-funded organization or were the only provider available in that place or time.) I don't blame them for having the courage of their convictions--I blame them for blocking others from living according to their own beliefs and needs.

"But what about their freedom of religion?" some might say.

Religious freedom. Could someone please give it to my friends and acquaintances? One couple I know were married in a Quaker ceremony much like mine and Ken's but have none of the legal benefits of marriage as our supposedly "free" government doesn't recognize it. The same is true of thousands of couples married in many United Church of Christ, Unitarian, Jewish, Pagan and other religious as well as secular ceremonies. You know what I'm talking about. I'm still trying to figure out how gender is a central concern in marriage these days. Centuries ago, marriage was for merging, holding and passing down property, and ensuring (or trying to) the parentage of children. These days families don't usually merge their property by marrying off their children. A paternity test can determine parentage. Women can keep their own money and property. Many married couples can't or don't have children. Marriage now is about love, commitment and security. Couples need to know they can be by each other's sides in the ICU. Children need to know that both their parents can pick them up at school in an emergency.

Even if you don't support same-sex marriage personally, think about this. Do you support freedom of religion? The Constitution of the United States?