Letter to the editor: Constitution already gives religion plenty of protection

Advocates of Measure 3 argue its passage is necessary to protect religious freedom and to get in line with other states that have passed similar legislation. I disagree.

The vague wording of this measure would allow anyone to challenge any law on the basis of violation of personal religious belief, including justification of various kinds of abuse and discrimination. Other states have made exemptions for laws protecting civil rights and public health and safety. Measure 3 has no such exemptions and thus is not the same other states we are supposed to be “following.” Furthermore, each time someone claims his or her religious freedom is infringed upon, unnecessary — dare I say frivolous — litigation would ensue with the burden of proof resting on the government’s case in court.

The U.S. Constitution already protects religious liberty and our courts systems are already too clogged. Join me in voting “no” on Measure 3.

Rev. Cody J. Schuler

Fargo

Tags: measure 3, opinion, letters, religion