Who's behind 'religious freedom' push? The answer is hard to find

[rug]

By Greg Botelho, CNN
updated 5:46 PM EST, Thu February 27, 2014

(CNN) -- Arizona's divisive SB1026 -- which supporters claim protected religious freedom, and critics say served as cover for businesses to discriminate against gays and lesbians -- didn't come from nowhere.

It took time to hash out among both state lawmakers and interest groups. In this case, advocates from the Arizona Center for Policy and Alliance Defending Freedom -- whose website says it "coordinates legal efforts (for) Christian legal and policy organizations" all across the United States and in 31 countries -- were among those who played a part in crafting the legislation.

But from where, or from whom, did the impetus come? And who paid for the Arizona push and similar ones in a host of other states?

America may never know.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/27/politics/arizona-controversial-bills-backing/

Follow the money.

[cbayer]

1. Really good synopsis here.

Follow the money, but also follow the power. Something very Rovian about all of this.

I'm more optimistic and think they are charing down the round track, but the author's admonitions that this is far from over should be heeded.

[edhopper]

2. Not to mention

the coordinating efforts of the Mormon and Catholic Churches.

[hrmjustin]

3. It's election year.

[Brettongarcia]

4. The American bishops (& USCCB?) started this in the last year or so.

At that time they made VERY firm public statements that they were going to take action; protecting "freedom of religion."

Calculate at little lead-in time; the most interested parties, (the contraception issue and Obamacare). And it looks a lot like the Roman Catholic Church as the major force behind this.

By the way? This would be illegal in Italy. Years ago when the new state of Italy was founded, in the Lateran Treaty, the state cut a deal with the Church: the new state of Italy would not militarily overwhelm the Vatican, Rome. In exchange, the Vatican would not interfere with politics.

Possibly state actions for more transparency in the Vatican's banking system, will show us exactly where the money came from.

Here's the first big statement from the bishops, 2012: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/13/us/catholic-bishops-urge-campaign-for-religious-freedom.html?_r=0