Might the Faithful Most Regret Religious Legislation?

COMMENTARY | With the recent passing by the Florida Senate of yet another unnecessary bill reported by tbo.com "defending prayer in school," the religious segment of American society inches just a bit closer to the establishment of a state religion - whether they realize it or not.

It's why our founding fathers included the words "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." But apparently, some lawmakers are wiser than our silly old founding fathers and they now feel the need to dabble in religious legislation.

When asked in the report, "What about the prospects of someone paying tribute to Satan or spewing an inspirational message of hate instead?" State Rep. Charles Van Zant, a Republican from Keystone Heights replied, "It's possible. But hopefully their own peer pressure will override that sort of speech so that doesn't get heard. I think that will take care of itself." Yes, you read it right. This man wants peer pressure to marginalize religious minorities. Oh this will cost Florida so much money in litigation.

Also in the referenced report, examples of students engaging in worship activities - in school - are pointed out. So, what is the purpose of this particular bill? If students are already praying at various functions, who's trying to stop them? This particular bill appears to be nothing more than a feel-good vote buyer for some state bureaucrat feeling the need to justify their tax-funded paycheck - as opposed to doing anything like work that is.

In Ohio, the website Cleveland.com tells us how State Rep. Lynn Wachtmann, chairman of the House Health and Aging Committee, snuck in an amendment at the last minute on a bill aimed at expanding the role of Physician's Assistants in the state - with no supporting evidence or chance for debate - which would prohibit physician's assistants from inserting or removing intrauterine devices. When Wachtmann's reasoning was questioned, he said, "I'm pro-life and I don't want to encourage any medical professionals including PAs to be able to do that."

While millions may thoughtlessly applaud these efforts to force "the God mythos" into public law affecting everyone regardless of belief, what people are failing to recognize is the impending establishment of a state-sanctioned flavor of religion. Every step to force ideologies into the lives of others, only brings you closer to the loss of your own religious freedoms. Be careful what you wish for.