What’s at Stake?
Because there are so many different faiths represented in the U.S. population, it is unlikely that an elected official will share a religious belief with every one of his or her constituents. All citizens need to feel that they are properly represented by the people they elect, even if they don’t believe exactly the same things, and people of all faiths – as well as no faith at all – should be equally protected by the law.
Just One Example…
Sgt. Patrick Stewart was killed in combat in Afghanistan in 2005. His widow asked that a pentacle, the symbol of his Wiccan faith, be placed on his military gravestone, but the Army said no. Mrs. Stewart took the case to court and won, but only after a long fight. Christians, Jews and others need only check the appropriate box on a form, but it took years of legal wrangling before the government would allow this minority religious group’s symbol to be included on the list of faiths that may be represented on military grave markers.
That’s just one example. Can you think of others? Leave a comment below with your story or post a video response.
What Can I Do?
Choose to vote for a candidate who promises to respect and represent all the citizens equally, no matter what they believe or don’t believe.