Election time is almost here. If people elect anyone who is guided by their religion rather than the Constitution, they are doing this country a disservice.

Arguments for “religious liberties” are being used as a battering ram against the wall of separation between church and state. That is bad news for everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof.

The aim of those using this tactic is not greater “religious freedom” for all; their aim is to advance their versions of Christian thinking, thereby reducing the religious freedom of others, including other Christians with different beliefs, values and lifestyles.

They don’t want “religious freedom.” They aim to destroy the wall of separation so they can force others to abide by their religious beliefs.

That is not what the writers of the Constitution wanted; far from it.

With that in mind, it is in the best interest of all Americans to oppose those half-baked arguments for “religious freedom” or they will have their rights, and freedom of (and from) religion, diminished or eliminated.

More damage to the wall of separation does not result in greater “religious freedom” for all; it results in greater Christian power for specific conservative Christian groups and less for those with more liberal thinking.

Those who value their religious beliefs and practices should be strongly in favor of secularism — and an absolute wall of separation between church and state.

You can’t have freedom of religion without freedom from the religious beliefs of others.

Ed McCaffrey, Mexico

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