Religion: A License to Discriminate
Dear Friend,
Imagine walking in to a restaurant with your family and friends, only to be thrown out moments later because you are gay. Can you imagine the hurt, confusion, and sadness that would come with being told by the owners that they don’t serve “your kind” at their establishment?
This nightmare scenario could soon become a reality if Governor Hutchinson signs the Religious Freedom and Restoration Act, which has already passed the state legislature and could legalize discrimination based on religious views.
Not so long ago, a person could be denied service by a business because of their race. America recognized that this unethical behavior has no place in this country, but religious right activists are trying to once again legalize discrimination against Americans based solely on who they are as a person.
Religious beliefs can be respected, but they must not be allowed to become a legal basis for discriminatory behavior towards our fellow citizens. This bill may talk about “restoring rights” but the only thing it truly restores is the ability to turn personal bigotry into legalized discrimination.
Corporations, government officials, and public figures are already speaking out against similar bills in Indiana and other states. Please take a stand against religiously motivated discrimination by contacting Governor Hutchinson and letting him know that this bill just isn’t right for Arkansas.
Fighting prejudice is what makes us humanists. Thank you for joining us.
Sincerely,
Roy Speckhardt
Executive Director
The American Humanist Association
The American Humanist Association (AHA) works to protect the rights of Humanists, atheists, and other nontheistic Americans. The AHA advances the ethical and life-affirming worldview of Humanism, which—without beliefs in gods or other supernatural forces—encourages individuals to live informed and meaningful lives that aspire to the greater good of humanity.
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