OPINION:
Our economy is built on the great concept of free enterprise. The demand-driven marketplace thrives on competition. It is not the proving ground for perceived social injustices. That would be the territory of a more socialistic, government-controlled economy.
Sixty years ago the government was justified in ensuring equal treatment among the races. Not serving food to a person because of the color of their skin was wrong. But in the case of sexual preference, enforcing society’s ever-changing sexual mores on behalf of one group of citizens at the expense of the expression of religious freedom of another is wrong.
Richland, Wash., floral artist Barronelle Stutzman, is being unjustly persecuted by Superior Court Judge Alexander Ekstrom for not being willing to make floral arrangements for a same-sex union (“Florist refuses attorney general’s options to settle lawsuit over same-sex weddings,” Web, Feb. 22). For Ms. Stutzman, to acquiesce would be a compromise of her Christian faith. Yet the judge has made threats against her home and personal belongings if she does not comply with the court’s demands. It is sickening to think that our culture has come to place where a grandmother can be bullied by a U.S. judge because of her religious convictions.
The American Revolution addressed this very issue, that governmental tyranny will never be accepted by free people. All Americans must be free to act on their religious convictions without interference from the government.
ED MULVANEY JR.
Anniston, Ala.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.