Religious freedoms are being attacked

Of great concern to many who profess Judeo Christian beliefs are recent actions by the Justice Department and the Department of Health and Human Services. Examples: forcing private health care providers to include contraception and sterilization services, and pushing for federal payment for abortions on demand under “health care.” Abortion, which takes a life, will never be mistaken for health care which saves life.

In addition President Obama’s “leadership” pushes the Department of Justice toward an attack on traditional marriage, by refusing to defend our current Defense of Marriage laws, while calling any of us who object bigots and haters. His administration continues to show little respect toward the constitutional guarantees of religious freedom found under the First Amendment. This shown by his attack on Catholic and Christian Church’s with a special brand of hatred toward their most sacred beliefs.

A perfect example of his speaking out of both sides of his mouth are claims that his health care plan provides religious exceptions. Exemptions that only apply when employees and patients are themselves Catholic. In effect, putting the provider out of business unless they themselves discriminate as to who the hire and who they accept as patients.

How any God-fearing Christians (Christian defined as “one who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ”) can by their vote support the taking of innocent life through abortion, and the end of 6,000 years of sacramental marriage is beyond my comprehension. November 2012 cannot get here fast enough. For those who value our freedom of religion, make your vote count.

Jim Finnegan

Barrington