Gene Richards: We can freely worship, but we can also petition for protection

Re “Religious freedom now in jeopardy” (Letters, July 9): In the letter, the writer takes a rather narrow view of the First Amendment. It does indeed say that Congress will make no law “impeding the free exercise of religion.” It also says Congress will make no law “respecting an establishment of religion.” As we have no established religion, the Constitution is based solely on secular values. The writer has every right to base her life on a Holy God. And I have the same right to thumb my nose, though I would never do that out of respect to her Constitutional right.

None of the people I know in the “homosexual community” have ever voiced a desire to abolish religious freedom. They, along with many other groups, simply want an end to discrimination. They used their First Amendment right to petition “for a governmental redress of grievances.” The Supreme Court has decreed the discrimination will now cease.

The First Amendment is the first of many. The writer, if so inclined, is free to start a movement for additional amendments. If she has the backing, the process is simple, though somewhat lengthy. I suggest she start by contacting Rep. Jeff Denham.

This story was originally published July 13, 2015 at 6:49 PM with the headline "Gene Richards: We can freely worship, but we can also petition for protection."