I don’t quite understand how anyone could misinterpret the First Amendment, as many people seem to do. It specifically states the following: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

Our forefathers came to America to escape religious bigotry and to practice their religious beliefs without fear of retribution. So when people say we need to put religion into the government, they are defying the intent of the First Amendment.

Choosing to believe or not believe in a particular religion is a very personal decision. When someone says, “I can’t do that, it’s against my religion,” that’s perfectly acceptable. But when someone says, “You can’t do that, it’s against my religion.” This is unacceptable for the obvious reason that it takes away the freedom to choose to believe differently than you.

When anyone imposes their beliefs on others, it diminishes the right of other people to think for themselves. Let us respect each other’s personal choices when it comes to religion. Isn’t that what true freedom really means?

Kae Luppens

Lemay