Ever notice how the push for religious freedom sometimes tramples other rights? It’s a tricky balance, but there are moments when the scales tip too far. Here are 14 examples where religious freedom compromised other fundamental rights.
Discrimination in Healthcare
Remember the case where pharmacists refused to fill birth control prescriptions due to religious beliefs? Women’s access to healthcare has been compromised, putting their health and autonomy at risk.
LGBTQ+ Rights
Think about the countless businesses that have denied services to LGBTQ+ individuals in the name of religious freedom. From bakers refusing to make wedding cakes to landlords rejecting tenants, these actions compromise the rights of LGBTQ+ people to live free from discrimination.
Employment Discrimination
Religious exemptions in employment law allow some businesses to bypass anti-discrimination protections. Employees can be fired or not hired based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or reproductive choices, under the guise of religious beliefs.
Access to Contraception
Hobby Lobby’s Supreme Court case resulted in companies being allowed to deny contraception coverage in their health insurance plans due to religious objections. This decision compromises women’s rights to comprehensive healthcare.
Education Curriculum
Some religious groups have pushed for the inclusion of creationism in science curriculums or for the exclusion of sex education. These actions compromise students’ rights to accurate, comprehensive education.
Child Welfare
In some states, faith-based adoption agencies can refuse to place children with LGBTQ+ parents or non-Christian families. This compromises the rights of both the children in need of homes and the prospective parents.
Public Health
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some religious groups resisted mask mandates and social distancing guidelines. These actions compromised public health efforts and put communities at greater risk.
Women’s Rights
Religious freedom has been used to justify denying women abortions, even in cases of rape or incest. This compromises women’s rights to make decisions about their own bodies and health.
Freedom from Religion
Public schools and government meetings sometimes include mandatory prayers or religious displays, compromising the rights of those who do not share those beliefs to live free from imposed religion.
Right to Die
In states with right-to-die laws, religious groups have lobbied to restrict access to physician-assisted suicide. This compromises individuals’ rights to end their suffering on their own terms.
Marriage Equality
Religious opposition to same-sex marriage has led to legal battles and resistance to implementing marriage equality laws. This compromises the rights of same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same legal benefits as heterosexual couples.
Foster Care
Faith-based foster care agencies can refuse to work with LGBTQ+ individuals or non-Christian families. This compromises the rights of foster children to be placed in loving, supportive homes.
Religious Displays on Public Property
Erecting religious symbols on public property can compromise the principle of separation of church and state, making non-religious or differently religious citizens feel excluded or marginalized.
Conversion Therapy
Some religious groups continue to promote conversion therapy, a harmful practice aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation. This compromises the mental health and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals to receive safe and affirming care.
Striking a Balance
These examples show the tension between religious freedom and other fundamental rights. Striking a balance is crucial to ensure that one person’s freedom doesn’t infringe on another’s. By promoting inclusivity and respect, we can work towards a society where everyone’s rights are protected.
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Eric Glenn.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
