The Nation: Who's Afraid of Secular Government?

[marmar]

Who's Afraid of Secular Government?

Sarah Posner
June 22, 2012


When 43 Catholic dioceses, universities, and charities simultaneously filed lawsuits against the Department of Health and Human Services last month, charging that the proposed regulation requiring insurance coverage for contraception violated their religious freedom, a simmering conflict between the First Amendment’s protections for religious freedom and against government preference for a particular religion once again took center stage.

The plaintiffs accuse the Obama administration of violating their religious freedom, a right enshrined in the Free Exercise Clause. They elevate the Free Exercise Clause above the equally important Establishment Clause, which prohibits the government from endorsing or favoring a particular religious view.

The Catholic institutions’ prospects for prevailing in these lawsuits are far from certain. Two state supreme courts, in New York and California, have ruled against Catholic groups’ religious freedom claims in challenges to substantially similar state laws. Constitutional experts believe they will fare no better in federal court. Nonetheless, by filing suit in multiple districts, the Catholic groups are aiming to succeed in at least some circuits, and to create a legal conflict that will eventually be resolved by the Supreme Court.

In the meantime, they will litigate their claims in the court of public opinion. The constituency most receptive to these religious freedom arguments, the Christian right, represents an outsize segment of the Republican Party. Savvy political organization has fueled the intensity of activist reaction, giving their arguments disproportionate attention and legitimacy. .................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.thenation.com/article/168533/whos-afraid-secular-government

[liberalnationalist]

1. will I get banned comment hidden

If I say religious racist bigots?...is telling the truth around DU a bannable offense?

[benld74]

2. Isn't this similar to,,,,,

the GOP throwing crap around continuously hoping eventually something will stick?