A dramatic and effective civics lesson

by Tom Campbell, Executive Producer and Moderator, NC SPIN, April 2, 2015.

We got a refresher lesson in civics this week; one we hope will stick in our memories for many years. North Carolina, following the example of other states, was set to pass a law in the name of religious freedom, but civic groups and corporate America found it distasteful and discriminatory and raised their voices in strong protest. Elected officials got the message and are backing down.

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act purportedly protects a person’s right to worship. It sounds innocent enough but a growing coalition contends it has serious consequences. Whether intended or not they believe it will foster discrimination against gays, lesbians and others. Similar laws passed in other states have drawn pointed protests by corporations, sports and civic organizations threatening to withhold or curtail activities in those states if the laws aren’t changed. North Carolina wants to recruit car manufacturers and other large businesses that create jobs and we don’t need such problems.

North Carolina’s initiative got its beginning following the court ruling that gay marriage was legal in our state. Our statutes currently permit marriage to be officiated only by an appointed magistrate or licensed religious pastor. Some magistrates wanted to refuse to perform same-sex marriages on the grounds that to do so would compromise their religious beliefs. The Administrative Office of the Courts informed magistrates that they must adhere to the law or face punitive action. A few resigned but some legislators vowed to give magistrates relief by allowing them to opt out of following the law in the name of religious freedom.

The whole issue has become convoluted. How can someone, who swore an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the State of North Carolina, be allowed, in the name of religious freedom, to pick and choose which constitutional laws he or she wishes to ignore or follow?

We honor and defend the guarantee of freedom to worship and understand that means we cannot impose our religious beliefs on others, but despite the high-minded title of the bill purporting to restore religious freedom it essentially does just that. Whether this could also allow discrimination in the workplace or elsewhere is subject to future court decisions but also to public perception. Governor McCrory and House Speaker Moore were wise in urging caution before passage of this bill.

As important as this issue might be it isn’t the main lesson. Our Declaration of Independence states clearly that government is justified and operates based on the “consent of the governed.” We give and deny that consent, most often at the ballot box, but sometimes we unite our voices and speak clear messages that those we elected and who work for us need to hear and heed.

Many mistakenly believe they little power to determine the outcomes in public policy issues. This current example proves otherwise. When we collectively decide that government has gone too far or is not operating in our best interests we can unite and insist on change. And get it.

We might have learned that lesson in civics classes but from time to time we need a reminder. The current demonstration in Indiana, in Arkansas and even in our own state reminds us that the ultimate power is held by we, the people.