We now seem to be getting a constant dribble of whine-a-thons from Christians who seem to think that it is their right to discriminate in the professional working environment just because of their religionism.
No other group claims this sort of right. It is quite clear that Christians should not be discriminated against because they are Christians, but that does not give them the right to discriminate against others.
So, if , as in the latest case, a doctor does not agree with the equality given to couples irrespective of their sexual orientation in terms of adoption, then the doctor clearly cannot partake in the process, because their beliefs necessitate discrimination against others. Just claiming these are the outcome of being a Christian means nothing, because being a Christian doesn;t give you the right to discriminate. It means that others must not discriminate against you, but not that one's prejudiced beliefs are legally protected just because they have a religious label attached to them.
Really, though, this demonstrates that religion is properly placed in the private sphere. One's 'beliefs' cannot be protected - one's right to believe them, yes, but not if that necessitates discrimination against others.
of course, many Christians have not felt the need to go to such extremes, but then we are talking about fringe conservative evangelicals, in the main.
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Not sure that this case necessitates religion belonging only in the private sphere, rather it requires maturity on the part of a religious practicioner to either not do a job which they feel will compromise their religious beliefs (eg a pacifist should not join the army and then complain they are being trained in combat)and if they do a certain job, they do it well following procedure accordingly. No big deal, I know plenty of Christians who do this, even though some of what they do, does not sit easily with their faith. It requires maturity, not the silencing of the religious voice as religious communities do amazing work amongst the poor and marginalized.
I was criticized for giving an unmarried couple advice on contraception.... double standards or demonstrating a pragmatic morality?
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