Freedom of Religion

Is it only for religions we like?

The Constitution of the United States of America

Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression. Ratified 12/15/1791.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

I can’t see any reason why Muslims can’t refurbish a building no longer usable to make a cultural center which would include a Mosque.

These are facts contrary to the right wing rant-o-philes

1. It’s Not at Ground Zero (its several blocks away)*

2. It’s Not Strictly A Mosque (it’s a cultural center open to everyone)*

3. You Can’t Simultaneously Acknowledge A Right And Insist That Your Government Suppress It*

But that’s beside the point: as our President said, “As a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country. And that includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in Lower Manhattan,....”

I am grateful to:

* http://www.cracked.com/blog/3-reasons-the-ground-zero-mosque-debate-makes-no-sense/

Marriage

Two persons of sound mind (although the fact that they want to get “married” puts in doubt the “sound mind”) get a “license” to marry from the County Clerk, then a state appointed functionary (JP, judge, priest, rabbi, etc.) witnesses the contract, and the state issues a “marriage” certificate. If subsequently the couple wishes to dissolve the contract they go to a state court to do so. “Marriage” confers on the couple certain rights, privileges, and responsibilities i.e., right to inheritance, not to be forced to testify against each other, etc. “Marriage” is a State function and it should properly be called a Civil Union.

If the couple would like to have their “marriage” blessed or sanctified by their community of faith they a free to do so. Their Pastor, Priest, Rabbi, Imam, or whatever, can perform such a ceremony, record the fact in their records and give the couple a Marriage Certificate to that effect.

Religio/Cultural issues

France is planning to ban the Burqa, “an all-enveloping cloak worn by some Muslim women.” The clue here is “some Muslim women.” The vast majority of Muslim women wear only the hijab, or head scarf. Similarly orthodox Jewish women cover their hair or wear a wig. Jewish men have their heads covered.

It would seem then that the burqa is cultural and not part of religious observance.

There are many other religio/cultural issues. Take for example marriage. Anyone who has read any history knows that in various times and places there was polyandry, polygamy, and variations in between including group marriage. The Mormon practice of polygamy was and is a religious issue. Islam allows for up to four wives which also is a religious practice sanctioned by the Prophet himself. In India arranged marriages are very common, a practice adhered to by many U.S. naturalized Indians. Similarly, Hasidic jews often arrange marriages among their fold. For my part, I have no problem so long as coercion is not involved.

Let’s face it: we American are having problems letting loose of the “one man, one woman.” Remember the Shakers -- they had, effectively, no marriage at all. It unfortunately ended their practices. What is wrong with adults of sound mind voluntarily entering into a complex relationship that meets their needs and is satisfying to their souls? Communes are just a shade more intimate than condos.

We have a wide variety of religious practices in this wonderful country of ours: Shakers - there are a few left*, Amish, Mennonites, Mormons, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Jews, Christians of a wide variety, Rastifarians, Taoists, Wiccans, Quakers, and many, many more.

There is room for all; however, there are limits to some religio/cultural practices, namely human or animal sacrifice, stoning women for adultery, or cutting off the hands of thieves. Also. in lesser ways, practices that tend to hide identities: KKK, burqas, etc. There is also something un-American in secret societies.

We are, after all is said and done, a free and open society. Let’s coexist.

* Sabbath Day Lake village, New Gloucester, Maine