Letter to the editor: Measure 3 is needed to protect religious freedoms

Why is Measure 3 needed? Measure 3 locks in the religious rights of North Dakotans. These rights would be protected from tampering unless there is a very good reason for doing so. (This is the “compelling interest test.”) The “compelling interest” standard requires government to offer a strong reason for imposing on religious conscience or religious rights.”

Example: In Kentucky, the Amish objected to the use of the orange “slow-vehicle” triangular signs. They made a very good case that reflective tape is more effective for spotting slow vehicles than is an orange sign. Because Kentucky did not have the “compelling interest” standard in place, seven men went to jail for not following the orange sign law. But in Minnesota when a similar case came up, where the compelling interest law is in place, the Amish were allowed to use reflective tape without any legal ramifications. In other words, the government could not impose the orange sign rule because it saw no good reason to do so because the reflective tape was as good as and even better than the orange signs.

Let’s see if we can get some the facts straight regarding what Measure 3 will and will not do.

Measure 3 will protect:

Right now, the North Dakota constitution does not require that religious freedom be treated as a “fundamental” right. Measure 3 will give us that fundamental right.

Right now, schools can ban students from wearing religious items such as crosses or religious “make-up” including ashes to school on Ash Wednesday. Measure 3 would protect anyone’s right to wear religious items.

Measure 3 will not: allow spousal or child abuse; allow honor killing; allow someone to marry a very young person; create a backlog of court cases.

North Dakota’s constitution states that religious freedom can never be used to justify acts that are inconsistent with peace and safety.

This is an issue that affects all people, no matter what religious affiliation or doctrinal belief. Pray for wisdom and guidance as you prepare to vote. Vote yes on Measure 3 to protect our religious freedoms to the fullest extent.

Tom Geffre

Jamestown

Tags: measure 3, opinion, letters