Some of us may have missed it, but President Obama declared yesterday Religious Freedom Day in the United States. Here is an excerpt from the presidential proclamation on the White House’s website:
Today, we also remember that religious liberty is not just an American right; it is a universal human right to be protected here at home and across the globe. This freedom is an essential part of human dignity, and without it our world cannot know lasting peace.As we observe Religious Freedom Day, let us remember the legacy of faith and independence we have inherited, and let us honor it by forever upholding our right to exercise our beliefs free from prejudice or persecution.
While it is good to know that the U.S. government is doing something to recognize so fundamental a right, it would be better if it could acknowledge the injustice of forcing Hobby Lobby and other businesses to act against their owners’ consciences on pain of crippling fines. Otherwise such a proclamation sounds empty indeed.
