Michigan got shamed nationwide earlier this month when the state Senate enacted an anti-bullying measure with an exception for "sincerely held" religious or moral beliefs. So we have every expectation that senators will reconvene this week with high motivation to fix their mistake promptly and restore the state's reputation.Just wait until some kid reads aloud a passage from Romans 1 and gets arrested for bullying. Because this is what it's all about.
Bullying is a behavior, not an expression of belief. People with the most deeply held religious and moral convictions can be expected to -- and generally do -- discuss those convictions calmly and respectfully, and they have every right, socially and constitutionally, to express themselves.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Detroit Free Press: Legislate away first amendment rights to free expression of religion. No - really: