NOTE: Due to the sensitive nature of this week's current event's blog, all students MUST ensure that they do not answer any of the questions in a way that may be deemed offensive or inappropriate. If a student chooses to do so, his/her comment will not be posted on the blog, he/she will not receive credit for the assignment, and he/she will receive disciplinary action.
Read the following article:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/03/28/thousands-protest-religious-freedom-law-indy/70596032/
Answer the following questions related to the article:
1. Explain Indiana's "Religious Freedom Law." What does it entail? What do lawmakers claim its intent is?
2. What are some of the ways that opponents of the law have protested its passage?
3. Organizers of the Statehouse rally hope that one major, positive result will come from the law's passage and their rally against it. What is that result?
4. How have opponents of the law, who are also major business leaders, decided to protest its passage?
5. In your opinion, does the separation of church and state have a play in the issue that the law addresses? In other words, does the government have the right to mandate whether or not business can reject certain customers based on the business owners' religious beliefs? How does this affect personal freedom?
Alex Turner 3rd period
ReplyDelete1. "prohibits state or local governments from substantially burdening a person's ability to exercise their religion — unless the government can show that it has a compelling interest and that the action is the least." It entails that if a company says that something is against there religion that the government can't make them do it. They think it could lead to discrimination from business owners who don't want to serve same sex couples.
2. They have decided to withdraw customers and workers from Indiana.
3. Want more people to vote for their cause.
4. Boycott.
5. Yes, I do think that the separation of state and church has a major part of what this law addresses. No, I do not think that the government has the right to tell a establishment I think If we have come to the point where we have a freedom but that freedom has its limit then it's like telling a writer for an augmentative article not to give his opinion if it's going to be offensive to someone out there.... The personal freedom being affected if the government did control our "freedoms" if they did take control of who establishments can/can't serve then it would cross the first amendment freedom of religion.
Kat Phillips
ReplyDelete1. prohibits state or local governments from substantially burdening a person's ability to exercise their religion. that people can practice their beliefs.
2. the bill could lead to discrimination from business owners who don't want to serve gay or same-sex customers.
3. that there would be no discrimination against these people
4. they will no longer send any of their workers to Indianapolis
5. no they don't and it affects personal freedom because it is their business and their beliefs so they can do what they want and if they cant then you are taking away their freedom to do as they please in their business concerning their customers.
Makenzie Taylor
ReplyDelete1) The law allows those who own businesses and don't support same-sex marriage to refuse to provide for those celebrations. Lawmakers claim that its intent is to stop the government from restricting a person from exercising their religious beliefs.
2) People have gathered in downtown Indianapolis to protest. They have been encouraging others to vote so that their voices are heard. They marched from Monument Circle to the Indiana Statehouse chanting and holding signs.
3) To prevent discrimination against gays or lesbians from becoming permanently legal and for more people to register to vote to make their voices heard.
4) By not sending recruits to Indiana, not sending employees or customers to Indiana, and Angie's List will cancel their plans for a $40 million expansion of its Indianapolis headquarters.
5) I do think that the separation of church and state has a play in this issue. Our country has a set of ideals and a basis of how we should make decisions. Freedom is a significant part of those ideals and we should not abandon that. I most certainly believe in religious freedom, religious tolerance, and all that. I also support human rights and the LGBTQIA+ community. Personally, I see this as a law legalizing discrimination of those of the LGBTQIA+ community. This whole issue affects personal freedom because people don't want to "go against" their religious beliefs and associate themselves with certain customers. And others are being rejected because of their sexual orientation. It's a mess.
Carter Billings 3rd (1 The law prohibits state or local governments from burdening a persons ability to exercise their religion. They say it is for protecting business owners who don't want to be forced to act against their religious beliefs. (2 Protesters hold signs and scream chants along with marching from Monument Circle to the Indiana Statehouse. (3 They hope that the law will be vetoed so that discrimination will not thrive in their state. (4 They have taken big steps in showing their views on the act by cancelling expansions of certain headquarters and that certain companies will no longer send employees or customers to Indiana. (5 The act does push the line of church and state by having people with certain beliefs deny or even discriminate against others. I do not think that the government has the right to mandate whether or not a business owner turns down a person. This issue starts to deal with certain subjects of personal freedom. This effects personal freedom through the fact that people can not make their own choices without being discriminated against.
ReplyDeleteLorenzo B. Winston:
ReplyDelete1. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act says the government cannot "substantially burden" a person's ability to follow their religious beliefs, unless it can prove a compelling interest in imposing that burden or do so in the least restrictive way. It involves businesses, for example, to be discriminative against people that are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. The lawmakers claim their intent is to protect business owners who don't want to be forced to act against their religious beliefs.
2. Protesters chanted and held signs as they marched from Monument Circle to the Indiana Statehouse to express their displeasure with Republican Gov. Mike Pence, who signed the legislation Thursday. "No hate in our state," "Whose State? Our State!" and "Fix the bill" were some of the chants heard in the background at the rally.
3. They want the result to be to make people vote so that their voices can be heard.
4. Salesforce.com founder and CEO Marc Benioff announced on Twitter that he would no longer send employees or customers to Indiana. Also Angie's List CEO Bill Oesterle said he will cancel the company's plans for a $40 million expansion of its Indianapolis headquarters because of his opposition to RFRA.
5. I personally do not think that the separation of church and state has any play in the issue that this law is addressing. People can still be Christians and believe in God and his will even thought they aren’t attracted to their opposite sex. That being said, in my opinion, the government shouldn’t have any right to mandate whether businesses can reject certain customers because of their religious belief. That isn’t fair to the people of the LBGT community. Sexuality shouldn’t interfere with what a person can or can’t have and what business owners can and can’t serve, or chose who and who not to serve. This affects personal freedom because everyone on this Earth should be treated fair and EQUALLY because each man and woman has EQUAL rights. An individual sexuality should get in the way of that. Sure, he may like a man or she may like a woman, THEY ARE HUMANS. If they aren’t attracted to the opposite sex, they just can’t roam the Earth and be attracted to nobody. I understand that God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve, or Addie (Adelaide) and Eve, but society is society, I guess… We live in a very cruel world and people have to be careful.
Ke-Anna' Rich: 1. The "Religious Freedom Law" stops the government from limiting a person from openly practicing their religious beliefs; to keep business owners from having to go against their beliefs.
ReplyDelete2. Marching through Indianapolis and registering to vote against the law.
3. Fairness
4. By canceling plans and not sending workers to Indianapolis
5. I think the separation of church and state does play into this law. I am a bit on the fence about where I stand in this issue, however. I would never make someone do something that goes against their beliefs, but at the same time they are denying somebody else their freedom, which can be considered morally wrong. Either way, no matter which side you're on, somebody is going to end up hurt by the decision. This effects both parties personal freedom- forcing those who have specific religious beliefs to go against them or stripping others of their freedom because others don't like their lifestyle.
Sydney Emmons
ReplyDelete1. The law is being put in place so you can express your religious ideas. But, many think this will lead to people discriminating against gays and lesbians.
2. Many residents of Indiana have formed protests in the streets to stop the bill from passing.
3. The rally hopes to stop the bill, and spread equality regarding sexual orientation.
4. An example is CEO Marc Benioff (Salesforce.com founder) said that he will not send employees or customers to Indiana anymore.
5. I don't think they have the right to do that. When customers come into establishments they come to get food, or material items, etc. Not to share their religious beliefs or sexual orientation! That is the customers business, and they shouldnt be kicked out or not served at an establishment just because we all have different opinions and beliefs. We are all different and we should be able to be proud of who we are without discrimination.
Shalyn Dale
ReplyDelete1)The law prohibits state or local governments from substantially burdening a person's ability to exercise their religion. Lawmakers claim its intent is to give people the right to exercise their religious beliefs.
2) Protesters have said that the law will be used in its worst form, business owners will be able to close their doors in the face of same sex couples or anything else that goes against their religion.
3) They hope that the government can show that it has a compelling interest and that the action is the least-restrictive means of achieving it.
4) They have taken their business out of Indiana/ decided to stop sending employee's to Indiana.
5) The separation of church and state doesn't play a part in this. This is the doing of inconsiderate people. The government has the right to do whatever they want, not saying they should have that right I'm not even saying they should do what they want. People are people regardless of what they do or what they like. Homophobia is a real thing that could lead to who knows what happening to these same sex couples. Grocery store owners could not sell them food, restaurant owners, etc. This bill is like the story " Harrison Bergeron", handicapping people for who they really are.
Lynsey Simpson:
ReplyDelete1. It entails discrimination against gays and lesbians, prohibiting state or local government from burdening a persons ability to exercise their religion
2. Started rally's, with attendance of 3,000+ people and registering more people to vote to get their point across.
3. That Pence said he would clarify the law was not against gays and lesbians.
4.That the Angie's List CEO and the Salesforce.com CEO both are taking opposing action and saying they are moving their headquarters and no longer sending customers to Indiana.
5. No, because the business itself should have its own say in who they want and don't want to serve, and the government shouldn't be stepping in on that. It affects personal freedom because if someone is bringing you business, i don't think you have a right to tell them you wont serve them
MacKenzie Jones
ReplyDelete1) They say that it will prohibit state or local government from forcing a business owner to do something that is against their religion.
2) Gathered in downtown Indianapolis to protest
3) More people will get out and vote and let their voices be heard.
4) Because of the decision to RFRA Angie's List CEO cancels the $40 million expansion of its Indianapolis headquarters.
5) Honestly I don't believe anyone in general has a right to reject someone based on weather it goes against the owners religious beliefs or not. If you're going to be a business owner, employee, public worker, etc. you need to be able to accept everyone regardless of what they believe in or any other thing in which doesn't fall under your religious stand points. Im all for religious freedom but rejecting someone because it doesn't fall under your religious beliefs is almost as if its forcing your belief on them. Being a business owner means doing business and not only does that make them look bad when they reject others based on their religious belief but it makes their entire company look bad and it could be a high possibility of them loosing a vast majority of customers and maybe even their business. You need to be professional when being a business owner unless you want your company to have a huge downfall.
It affects personal freedom by limiting what people can buy or do based on their religious beliefs. For example if a fast food restaurant was Catholic based and someone comes in who is of the Islamic religion and the person working there wont serve them due to their religion, that's taking away from our constitutional right of religious freedom. If someone has the audacity to do something of that sort based on someone's religious beliefs I think they need to get over them selves and realize their religion isn't the only religion and they should accept others.
Kayla fincher
ReplyDelete1.prohibits state and governments from substantially burdening a person's ability to exercise their religion
2.they gathered in downtown Indianapolis to protest
3. That people will continue to vote and make thier voices heard
4. Angies list CEO Bill Oesterle said he will cancel the company's plans for a $40 million expansion of its Indianapolis
5. I dont belive the government should get to say weather or not a business can reject somone based in religion or sexuality especially if it is a personal business owner who has their own beliefs. i personally don't believe that it is right for somone to reject somone because of their sexuallity, gender, race etc but i see where it could cross somones freedom by saying they couldnt reject thier business
I- "The law prohibits state or local governments from substantially burdening a person's ability to exercise their religion " (of course, with a few exceptions)/ It entails a host of new problems for people of all beliefs in some form, but mainly, it pulls government interference out of the equation, allowing religious freedom. Lawmakers claim that it allows religious freedom.
ReplyDeleteII- By saying that it goes against their system of beliefs?
III- That their voices are heard
IV-By refusing to serve homosexuals at their businesses
V- I think that the government doesn't have the right to tell business owners who they should or shouldn't conduct business with. It effects personal freedom in a positive way-- it allows people to choose for themselves who they sell/have associated business with.
Abbye Blocker
ReplyDelete1. The law says that it prohibits state or local governing systems from restricting or burdening a business or person's ability to practice what their religion is. The lawmakers claim that their intent is to not discriminate against gays or lesbians.
2. Protestors chant and hold signs as they march to the Indiana Statehouse from Monument Circle.
3. That business owners will not have to go against their religion.
4. They have criticized the law and said it makes the state look bad.
5.The government has no right in saying whether or not business owners can reject some people based on the business owner's religious beliefs. The owner can decide if they are comfortable in serving the person if there is a law or not. The First Amendment states that all American Citizens, including business owners, have the undeniable right to religious freedom.
Josie Parham
ReplyDelete1- They will not interfere with your religion but if they find it needed to interfere they will do it in the least way possible. Lawmakers say it will allow discrimination against gays and lesbians.
2-The owner of Angie's list has canceled their expansion into indiana and Salesforce.com CEO says he will no longer send workers or customers to Indiana.
4-They want people to register to vote so their voices can be heard.
Angie's list owner has canceled expansion and salesforce.com CEO has refused to send people to Indiana.
5-I don't think the government has the right to do that because some people will take it to far and go to further unneeded extenses. Also, it affects personal freedom very much because if you want McDonalds you should be able to go to McDonalds. All we are doing is taking a step back to when we used separate water fountains because of the color of our skin. Now they want to limit restaurants because of your religion.
Emily Perry
ReplyDelete1. People cannot be forced by governments to act against their religion unless the government can show compelling interest. Lawmakers claim the law is to protect business owners religious beliefs .
2. Speeches, rants, not conducting business in the area, signs in windows
3. They hope that those against the law will register and vote.
4. Angie’s list has decided not to expand its Indiana offices, and Salesforce.com is not sending customers or employees to Indiana. Other businesses are putting signs in windows to show they do not discriminate
5. In my opinion, the government does not have the right to force business owners to act against their religious beliefs. Personal freedom should include the right to follow my conscience and practice my beliefs.
Olivia LeComte
ReplyDelete1. The law states that the government cannot interfere with a person's ability to practice their religion. To protect business owners who don't want to act against their religious beliefs.
2. Protests and removing their business from the state.
3. To vote and allow their voices to be heard.
4. By stopping business with locations in Indiana and putting up stickers that show they are safe zones.
5. The government does not have the right to grant people the freedom to reject costumers based on religion. I believe that this law paves the way for lots of segregation. If a person's religion doesn't agree with the way a person was born than what would stop them from turning them away and refusing to serve them. This could affect millions of people and stop them from living their lives happily. Private hospitals, schools, and other establishments could turn away the lgbtq+ community when members may really need help. The passing of this law will encourage people to exploit religion to fuel hate and negativity.
Troy Banks
ReplyDelete1. It is a bill that gives business owners the right to refuse service to someone who goes against their religious beliefs. Lawmakers claim its intent is to prevent business owners from having to go against their religious beliefs.
2. By having marches in the streets, chants and all.
3. They hope that more people will vote to have their voices heard.
4. Some companies have decided to not do business in Indiana.
5. I think that it does, since the bill is giving the religious more rights than the non-religious or anyone who defies the business owner's religion. The government has the right to make laws, just laws, that is. This is not a just law. It affects the freedom of those who wish to use a certain business and won't be allowed to.
Zahrah Abdulrauf
ReplyDelete1. The law says that state or local governments from can't limit person's ability to exercise their religion. Law makers see the bill as necessary to protect business owners who don't want to be forced to act against their religious beliefs.
2. Protests and public demonstrations, boycotts
3. That more people will vote and make their voices heard.
4. People have started to pull their businesses and organizations out of Indiana, stating that the new law would be bad for sales and their reputations.
5. The separation of church and state plays a big role in this. It's wrong to control what people can or cannot do because it interferes with your religion, especially considering the fact that the people you're discriminating against might not even believe in the things as you. This really isn't an issue of the state, it's an ethical issue that affects individuals, something the government shouldn't attempt to police or even get involved in. If people can start discriminating under the guise of religious freedom and get away with it, where will it end?
Reagan Ross.
ReplyDelete1) it may lead to discrimination against gays and lesbians.
2) they chanted and held signs.
3) they want the bill to be fixed.
4) they are no longer permitting their employees to go to Indiana.
5) no, the government does NOT have the right to mandate whether or not business can reject certain customers based on the business owners' religious beliefs. In order to have a sustainable nation, equality is a necessity. this affects personal freedom by putting a border around freedom itself, and having unfair rules set for the people. regardless of sexuality, race, religion, etc. we are all human beings and the majority of us who are doing right by the law and also right by the proper morals are deserving of fairness and equality, as well as general hospitality. The government shouldn't put borders around things like this, as long as it isn't doing any harm to others.
Grace Singley
ReplyDelete1. "The law prohibits state or local governments from substantially burdening a person's ability to exercise their religion — unless the government can show that it has a compelling interest and that the action is the least-restrictive means of achieving it." Lawmakers say its intent is that it could allow discrimination against gays and lesbians.
2. They say that it will make the state look bad and make it more difficult in getting the highest talent in Indiana.
3. They want their result to be more people voting for their cause.
4. They have avoided and boycott it.
5. No I don't think that the government has the right to judge certain customers or owners by their religious beliefs. I think that the owner of the business can decide to follow whatever religion he/she wants. Also, a customer, can choose whether they want to go to that business anyways. There's no point in saying we have personal freedom but then limiting the freedom we get.