Wendell Griffen: Vote NO on Problem 3

As ever: If the legislature proposes it, the correct vote isn’t any on any constitutional modification. So it’s with Problem 3, a Computer virus for non secular persecution from the likes of Jason Rapert. The suitable-wing so-called Christians will bang the drum for it within the brush arbors, although more cash possible shall be spent on different points.

Baptist pastor and decide Wendell Griffen explains why you should vote NO ON ISSUE 3. Excerpt:

First, Problem 3 is pointless. Present state and federal legal guidelines already shield non secular freedom from governmental abuse. The First Modification to the US Structure protects non secular liberty. The Arkansas Structure protects non secular liberty in Article 2, Part 24. There’s a federal Spiritual Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) in addition to an Arkansas Spiritual Freedom Restoration Act (ArRFRA).

Second, Problem 3 is unhealthy coverage. The federal First Modification, Arkansas Structure, and federal and Arkansas RFRA statutes shield individuals from governmental actions that pose a considerable burden on non secular freedom with out proof of a compelling governmental curiosity.

Problem 3 doesn’t embody the phrase “substantial.” That omission is a calculated, deliberate, and intentional scheme to ban governmental motion that poses any burden on non secular liberty – together with burdens ensuing from guidelines that usually apply to the general public at massive. The Arkansas Spiritual Freedom Modification proposed as Problem 3 would even prohibit governmental actions to guard public well being, security, and forestall bigotry and discrimination.

Problem 3 was referred to Arkansas voters by the Arkansas legislature after lobbying by the Arkansas Household Council (the Arkansas affiliate of the nationwide Household Analysis Council) in response to public well being mandates applied in 2020 to guard individuals from Covid an infection.

He additionally articulates what I consider the modification is actually about:

Problem 3 can be a approach bigots can declare non secular freedom to assault and undermine public legal guidelines and personal insurance policies that forestall discrimination based mostly on race, intercourse, sexual orientation, and gender id. In 2021, payments have been launched in Arkansas aimed toward denying medical care to assist mother and father and youngsters who search therapy for gender dysphoria. Payments have been launched to disclaim entry to abortions to girls who sought abortion providers. Payments have been launched to stop public colleges and academics from educating about systemic injustice, together with injustice based mostly on race, intercourse, sexual orientation, and gender id.

VOTE NO on 3.

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