Re: “Frightening decision on baker’s religious rights,” Aug. 23 My Turn column.
The Colorado Court of Appeals ruled this month that Masterpiece Cakeshop owner Jack Phillips discriminated against a same-sex couple when he refuesed to make a wedding cake for them. (Brennan Linsley, Associated Press file)
Rob Natelson notes the implications of the court decision regarding the baker who refused to make a cake for a wedding of homosexual partners. Since the beginning of these court decisions on LGBT rights, which appear to become more and more encompassing in scope, it has occurred to me that the courts have overstepped their role by telling us who, when, where and how we must serve others. There is no such right given to the courts in our Constitution.
Perhaps it is time for all of us to rethink where individual personal rights to demand of others end and our personal responsibilities to our faith, our families and our communities begin. We all have the right and the responsibility to make choices about our personal values and behavior, including whom we serve and for what purpose. When we allow the courts to take away that freedom of choice, we further the dismantling of the American way of life.
Thank you, Mr. Natelson, for bringing this particular matter to public attention. Such a course of “justice” frightens me, and I’m sure it frightens many others.
Marion Anderson, Idaho Springs
This letter was published in the Aug. 30 edition.Rob Natelson should never forget that discrimination exercised in the context of religious freedom is still discrimination. And it might do his conscience well to take to heart the words of the late Julian Bond: “The humanity of all Americans is diminished when any group is denied rights granted to others.”
Chris Horst, Arvada
This letter was published in the Aug. 30 edition.
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