Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2018

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316999752.010

Abstract

This chapter focuses on three general themes that bear on the need to understand one another in society and how that understanding bears on appropriate exemptions relating to abortions and same-sex marriage, two questions that continue to divide the American people.

First, there is a need for mutual tolerance toward others who see things differently. Second, a great deal in life is not subject to rational answers. Third, people should generally not be required to do directly what they believe is deeply wrong. However, society can work only if people do not refuse to help those who, they believe, have done something they see as seriously wrong.

Although the moment that life begins is not subject to a rational answer, powerful reasons support both a woman’s right to abortion at the early stages of pregnancy and also the interests of doctors and nurses to not participate in or assist with abortion, as Section II notes. Likewise, as Section III explains, in modern culture, powerful reasons support the right of people to marry someone else of the same gender. Yet, there are some people who believe same-sex marriage is contrary to God’s will, or fundamentally wrong for some other reason. They should not have to be directly involved in the solemnization or celebration of those marriages. However, people should not be able to refuse general services to same-sex couples in the time that follows.

Disciplines

Civil Rights and Discrimination | Law | Religion Law | Sexuality and the Law

Comments

This material has been published in "Religious Freedom, LGBT Rights, and the Prospects for Common Ground," edited by William N. Eskridge Jr. and Robin Fretwell Wilson. This version is free to view and download for private research and study only. Not for re-distribution or re-use.

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