Explain The Limitations Of Freedom Of Religion Essay

Limitations on Freedoms to Religion

Though American citizens have the right to express freedom of religion, there are some limitations on these rights. Imagine going to a fast food restaurant after a long day of work, with limited time to grab a bite to eat. This may not be the healthiest option, but one has to provide dinner for ourselves or our children. Suppose the fast food worker refused your meal request because he or she could not support gluttony due to their religion? This is one example of a limitation of freedom on religion, these limitations appear in the workforce and in modern day society.

Religion is restricted by laws, local rules, and regulations in the workforce. There is a certain code of ethics and behavior that should be withheld by working citizens.

The Tandem Project expresses the law behind religion in the workforce by stating, “States are permitted to limit the

manifestation of a religion or belief only if it is specified in law, proportional to the act being limited and is done to prevent such things as incitement” (The Tandem Project 2). In other words, states are allowed to choose what is and is not allowed in the workplace. If an act is classified as hindering one’s work or a customer’s experience it is not allowed. Some may say that this is unfair or unjust, however one can choose a job that does not bear actions that violate one’s beliefs. Not only is this action rude, but it is also illegal. Individuals have a right to choose where they work, and should have a complete understanding of the responsibilities required by a certain job.

As evident as these limitations may seem, individuals who work in our country deny people of their natural rights. For example, Kim Davis refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples because that would violate her Christian beliefs. Ed Payne states just how many times she performed this violation: “She denied the same sex couple not only once but, five times” (Payne 1). This is act not only illegal, but also, morally, and ethically wrong. Davis could have made another employee sign the license or complained to her higher official beforehand, rather than wronging the eager couple and denying their rights. Davis should have asked for a transfer or to remove her name from the license, rather than closing down the whole office by denying both straight and gay couples. United States Citizens should place the Constitution above the bible, because everyone is required to follow the law, but religion is a choice. Opposing parties believe than Kim Davis was facing a heaven or hell decision when in fact the only decision she made was to uphold her beliefs over someone else’s. Also, many other circuit court offices allow employees with the refusal to be excused while the other office members issue the license.
Religion should not be pressed upon people in society.

The challenge is deciding what is fair and how to apply the limits appropriately. Society cannot limits one’s religions right and violate and being unjust with others. One of the main reasons America limits these freedoms is morals:” Stem cell research, abortion and other origin life issues and the most difficult examples of limits to the manifestation of a religion or belief based on morality” (The Tandem Project 3). In other words, because this is a sensitive topic that each person has different viewpoints on it is fairly difficult to decide what is and is not appropriate in society. What is deemed appropriate in society is left up to society itself, majorly and majority what they allow. We cannot limit the freedoms of all to please the few. Some may argue that their freedoms are not being expressed however, religious believes have to option to overlook and excuse sins that others commit, is that not whole point of religion. In summary, society has a common set of practices that are and are not allowed based on

acceptance.
In conclusion, strong limitations are placed on of freedom on religion, these limitations appear in the workforce, schools, and in modern day society. Every single day someone is overlooking someone else’s actions that would violate their religion. This is the major focus on religion is seeing sins in others and not falling victim to evil charms that tempt you. Religious limitations appear in the workforce due to rightful government laws, in schools to please every student, and in society to protect the happiness of all. Lastly, limitations are what maintain order in society without this bridled actions life as we know it would turn corrupt.