by Sandy » Fri Sep 04, 2015 10:26 am
This almost looks like a set up to create an issue for the cameras, and to set up a platform for some of the GOP candidates from the Christian right to try and get some traction, and improve their pitiful polling numbers. This incident, and the Planned Parenthood issue, seem to be almost tailor made to get the right wingers moving. This isn't the only place in the country where a county clerk has refused to issue marriage licenses on religious grounds, but it seems there are contingency plans in place in other places. Turning this into political capital cheapens the issue itself. It's not religious freedom that the candidates value, it's the poll numbers.
I believe Kim Davis, as a public official, has the right to refuse to do something on the job that she feels violates her conscience, and her Christian beliefs. This isn't the only place in the country where county clerks feel granting marriage licenses to same sex couples violates their religious beliefs. She should have a means of exercising her religious beliefs without having to sacrifice her job or go to jail. But someone in her office should be able to issue marriage licenses according to the law.
We live in a pluralistic society, and one in which everyone has protected civil, constitutional rights. In this case, we have people proclaiming that Christian rights are superior to other rights, and that someone's strong and sincere belief in God should take precedence over those who do not believe. But the right not to believe is equally protected. It has to be. If those who are not Christians are not protected, it won't be long before Christians aren't either.