Will Sharia law follow legal ruling?
The Hobby Lobby opinion (“Court backs religious rights,” News, July 1) is not based on fundamental constitutional law regarding the free exercise of religion. Instead, it is a case involving the statutory construction of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993. The court ultimately held that Health and Human Services regulations violated that act. The court also stated that the RFRA substantially provided protection far above what is a minimum standard under our constitutional jurisprudence.
Nonetheless, no one appears to grasp the biggest implication of this ruling. The court gave considerable weight to the religious beliefs of the owners of these closely held corporations. These were Christian beliefs. But what is sauce for the goose, is also sauce for the gander. Now, what about the sincere religious beliefs of Muslims? Those beliefs are just as firmly held, and they are based on Sharia law. In other words, the Supreme Court has just opened the door for judicial recognition of Sharia law as a potential constraint upon our government’s actions. I do believe the law of unintended consequences is now in play.
LLOYD W. WALKER, PEACHTREE CITY
Hobby Lobby, look at your investments
Now that Hobby Lobby has won a “victory” in the Supreme Court, I hope they show their integrity and courage and reinvest the $70 million they have invested in companies that produce birth control and morning-after products. Now that you’ve talked the talk, let’s walk the walk.
PHIL DAVIS, POWDER SPRINGS
Cops have reason for not sharing
Bert Roughton complains about the lack of information police have provided about an ongoing investigation (“Police fail to shed light on tragedy,” Opinion, June 29). Doesn’t he realize that disclosure of certain information might prejudice the outcome? Isn’t he interested in fairness? What Mr. Roughton seems most concerned with is getting enough information to whet the public appetite. An appetite that the AJC fosters, admit it, to sell newspapers. I think Officer Bowman responded appropriately. This isn’t about a “need to know.” This is about a “want to know.” Big difference.
RANDY HILL, AUSTELL
Kids’ protection is a matter of money
In a perfect world, you wouldn’t have to arm teachers or most likely administrators (“Gun laws impact hard to measure,” News, July 1). It comes down to money: Provide enough school resource officers or train a school’s staff to protect our kids. Not all schools are in a metropolitan area with police minutes away. It may be the decision to select a gun-free zone is tied to other factors, but the Cobb County school member doesn’t seem to distinguish between a small body count and a whole classroom.
TOM COTTON, SENOIA
