By Peter Shaw
Civil rights is a phrase whose origin can be traced back to the early 1700’s. The concept of individual civil rights can be traced back to England’s bill of rights in the 1600’s. Civil rights concept is almost perfectly interchangeable with constitutional rights. Constitutional rights typically refer to all of a US citizen’s rights protected by the US Constitution. Civil rights include constitutional rights while specifically referring to the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments, the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and plethora of anti-discrimination laws. Civil rights are enforceable laws protecting rights and privileges of individuals in a group.
Do Christians have civil rights? I think we can all agree that Christians are a group so lets group them up like other groups, classes, races, and ethos. I think we can all agree the First Amendment prevents limiting the free exercise of religion individually or as a group. Constitutional rights certainly protect Christians and other religions. This still leaves it a little murky as to whether Christians has civil rights. When we look at the most famous civil rights legislation in the 20th century, the 1964 Civil Rights Act, we have our answer. This civil rights act (there were plenty more before this one) protects “all individuals”. In addition Title II, III, IV, and most of the eleven titles place religion as a protected group right along with race. Christians and other religious people without a doubt have as many civil rights as other groups.
What is religious discrimination? Religious discrimination is the unfavorable treatment or different treatment of an individual because of the individual’s religious beliefs. This includes sincerely held religious and moral beliefs. For example, if a Christian owned a business and was denied zoning, building permit or anything else that was needed to participate in the economy solely based on their religious belief is discrimination. It is a violation of their civil rights.
Let us consider other groups in the same situation. Imagine Mayor Thomas Manino, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, alderman Joe Mareno, or city councilwoman Christine Quinn opposed an establishment of business based solely on their race! Instead imagine those same people opposing female business owners. Imagine TV and movies not allowing women or minorities the leading role solely because of their gender or race. It would be a crime and equally so if discrimination was based on religion.
If you’re still not convinced then consider President Obama’s position on civil rights as stated on his webpage. “…He knows that our country grows stronger when ALL Americans have access to opportunity and are able to participate fully in our economy…” [emphasis added]
The religious discrimination in our nation seems to steadily increase. A couple of high profile incidents come to mind. In 2008 McCain – Palin lost the election yet Gov. Palin’s church was set on fire. In 2010 the Cross in the Mohave Desert dedicated to WWII vets was stolen. More recently officials in Chicago, Boston, and NY have intimidated and threatened Chick-Fil-A because of the religious and moral beliefs of the franchise owners. Now most recently Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson was indefinetely suspended for his religious speech. President Obama should be appalled. Attorney General Holder should be investigating. The Civil Rights Commission should launch a parallel investigation.
The franchise owners and private owners of Chick-Fil-A restaurants have had their civil rights violated.
Duck Dynasty Phil Robertson has been persecuted for Christ's sake (Matthew 5:11).
You won’t find the Rainbow Coalition protesting.
The Black Panthers don’t have a $10k bounty on anyone.
Social media has exploded with "I stand with Phil" chatter. What is going on is a peaceful expression of support for free speech and civil rights by being a patron of the Chick-Fil-A and buying Duck Commander merchandise. This is a powerful movement that any civil rights leader could envy. I’m feeling like chicken! Or duck?
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First, Gresham, Oregon. Sweet Cakes was a privately owned bakery that had been in business for several years. the owners very religious people. There beliefs were evident throughout their many years of business, even going so far as to not making anything related to Halloween as they felt is was an evil holiday. Jump to 2013 when a Gay couple asked Sweet Cakes to make a wedding cake for them. The Bakery refused due to religious beliefs. Unhappy with this, the couple sued and the courts found in favor of the couple and DEMANDED them to make them a cake for their wedding. The owners of Sweet Cakes closed their store and held true to their beliefs rather than being FORCED to follow the beliefs of someone else.
Second, here in Iowa. A Mennonite couple that owns Görtz Haus Gallery, a former church turned art gallery facility was asked by a gay couple to host their wedding. the couple refused and were promptly sued. The gay couple won the suite and the owners of a PRIVATE business were being FORCED to provide services for the gay couple. The Owners of the Görtz Haus Gallery have now sued the Civil Rights Commission.
These are just a couple examples of the government and court system dealing with a private business and forcing the beliefs of others on the owners.
We are beginning to see the unequal treatment of citizens (and non-citizens) throughout the country. Whether it is Christians being told to put their faith aside or illegals given more rights or allowed to disobey laws and are allowed to stay in the county when US citizens are forced to accept, adapt to and help pay for their needs.
Phil Roberson is being attacked by the Left for believing what the Bible teaches. Are we very far from being persecuted for believing what is written in the US Constitution?