OK, I'm an Athiest, and this is not a bash on religion. This is something that bothers me about our country- and this post has NOTHING to do with minors. In our Constitution it states:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. "
This, to me says that everyone has a right to believe the way they want, and practice those beliefs without interference. Why then, is polygamy illegal, and if a religious sect believes in it, why are they forbode in practicing it- when it is their belief? This does assume that all are of legal age, as again this question has NOTHING to do with minors. It seams everything is OK for a freedom of religion, as long as it is a certain religion. So where really, is the freedom?
BTW- I'm a monogamist, but I still see wrong here.
2007-09-21 21:35:10 · 4 answers · asked by Dan 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
The government also prohibits the religious practices of Rastafarians and members of the Santo Daime religion. Practitioners of Voodoo have also been persecuted by the government. Why? Because freedom of religion is a myth. It doesn't exist in America. You're free to practice a religion whose practices don't contradict the practices of the Christian majority. Americans live with the illusion of freedom.
2007-09-21 21:51:41 · answer #1 · answered by mick t 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are many laws that are in correlation with definitions found in religion, such as no killing and no stealing. This is not necessarily endorsement of religion. The same is true of marriage. As a LEGALLY Binding contract, the government can chose to define it as they wish. I can still call as many people husband as I chose , that is my freedom of religion. But the government will not AKNOWLEDGE the marriage except under its own predetermined definition. One might have a religion which believes men are only sperm providers and women the responsible party for children. That would not mean the government shouldnt enforce its laws which hold the male responsible as well.
2007-09-21 21:45:37 · answer #2 · answered by Michele C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Government regulation of marriage simply concerns receiving benefits of marriage, such as tax credits for example. Anyone can "marry" anyone they want. A religion may allow polygamy, and it would be perfectly fine to practice it, but it wouldn't be recognized by the government.
Basically, the government has no right to stop anyone from living with and having sexual relationships with whoever they want. They just don't have to give them the benefits.
hope that made sense.
2007-09-21 21:46:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Freedom of religion is restricted so that there will be no chaos in the society such the banning of polygamy since this will lead to the proliferation of orphans that are being abandoned by irresponsible parents influenced by religion.
2007-09-21 21:48:21 · answer #4 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋