We are in the second year of a fight over religious liberty and who needs protection from what at the state Capitol.
But this year is not a replay of last year, because no two political confrontations are alike. Alliances change. Circumstances, too.
Most would say the biggest difference is a U.S. Supreme Court that has edged ever closer to constitutional protection for gay marriage. Pending high court arguments, plus a decision likely this summer, have lent a certain air of desperation to both sides of the cultural struggle.
But there is another, fresh factor this year that has been largely overlooked. His name is Pope Francis – though it is unlikely that our House speaker will demand that the pontiff apply for a lobbyist’s badge. Francis is no Grover Norquist.
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