Faith

North Dakotans Face Off Over Religious Freedom Protections Amendment

Since January, religious freedom issues have been at the forefront of public discussion. In North Dakota, voters are preparing to head to the polls next week to vote on a controversial provision referred to as the “Religious Liberty Restoration Amendment” or “Measure 3.” The proposal, which would amend the state’s constitution to protect conscientious objectors, is being heralded by proponents who claim it will increase and protect religious freedom. Others, though, fear potential calamity that they believe could result from its passage.

Religious Liberty & Measure 3 Are Being Debated in North Dakota

A screen shot from the North Dakotans Against Amendment 3 web site

Supporters like Tom Frier of the North Dakota Family Alliance see the proposal as an attempt to right judicial and legislative wrongs. His group has led the effort to see the amendment make its way onto the ballot.

“What this amendment is attempting to do is to restore that level of protection to what it was pre-1990,” Freier said. ”This measure would really put in place the protection for North Dakota that would make sure that people are protected, and religious organizations are protected, when and if they do need that protection.”

Here’s a video showcasing support for the proposal:

But those opposed to the measure have a different view. Tim Hathaway, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota, fears that the measure would allow families to hide behind religion in child-abuse cases.

“We are urging a ‘no’ vote on Measure 3, because it will seriously undercut protection for children in our state by opening the door for people to claim religious freedom as a justification for maltreatment,” he claims.

Tom Fiebiger of North Dakotans Against Measure 3, too, says that the amendment goes to far and would create a plethora of problems and lawsuits.

“This just requires a burden and that could mean a host of different things,” he believes. “It could mean a city bus driver that doesn’t want to take someone to church because they disagree with their religious beliefs.”

Here’s a video railing against Measure 3 as unnecessary and dangerous:

Others echo these sentiments, claiming that it’s possible for the regulation to allow other forms of discrimination against women and other groups — all based on the premise of religious liberty. Despite these claims, the measure’s words, it seems, does make it clear that there are exceptions to the rule. The full text reads:

Government may not burden a person’s or religious organization’s religious liberty. The right to act or refuse to act in a manner motivated by a sincerely held religious belief may not be burdened unless the government proves it has a compelling governmental interest in infringing the specific act or refusal to act and has used the least restrictive means to further that interest. A burden includes indirect burdens such as withholding benefits, assessing penalties, or an exclusion from programs or access to facilities.

Based on these sentiments, supporters of the measure like Christopher Dodson of the North Dakota Catholic Conference, say that objections are blown out of proportion.

“The measure itself says that it doesn’t affect those acts which the state has a compelling interest in preventing,” Dodson said. “And it‘s somewhat irresponsible to even imply that the state doesn’t have an interest in protecting children, women and vulnerable persons.”

The voters will make their voices heard on Measure 3, among other proposals, on June 12. So far, polls seem to show major division among North Dakota residents.

(H/T: NPR)

Comments (60)

  • girlnurse
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 3:56am

    Well we have athiests making the government take down crosses and 10 commandments. I believe athiest is a religion in itself. It says man is his own god. I don’t agree with that–however, I don’t agree with this either…I would like government OUT of our LIVES!
    If you athiests would just leave well enough alone (like its been for over 200 years) in this country this would not be happening. Would u rather have a few crosses and a few bible verses around OR Muslims hanging homosexuals, insisting on special privilges, prayer rugs, halal meals, sharia, and all the other junk crammed down our throats? Why would you athiests ever think you would rather have Islam around than Christianity??? That ought to tell you something right there…Islam doesn’t threaten you because they are counterfit…they don‘t bother you because inside you know they’re fake!!

    Report Post » girlnurse  
    • closetotheedge
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 8:18am

      Hey Girl Nurse, I agree that if passed, it will bring Sharia into the law and make it legal to murder any family member for any bazarre reason they make up. We stand with our U.S. Constitution and all the rights granted by Jehova God, not a false religion that makes women chatel,that allows a father or brother to murder for any reason. Even following sisters or other women and reporting, either true or false, bringing a Honor Killing to save face as a true Muslam.If that and the Suicide Islamic who murders 100s’ daily as Islam says is the highest a man or boy or woman can do. If passed,this law will open the legal door to every tenent of Sharia right here in our courts.And don‘t expect the Fed Courts to go again’st it,their puppets to their master in the White House and his minions.Say no people, to this backdoor trick to slip it in and control even more of your lives via Fed‘ Gov’ takeover. Stand for freedom as written in our Constitution and our country. God Bless

      Report Post »  
    • Bruce P.
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 12:46pm

      Who said atheists would rather have around Islam? There was not one cogent thought in your incoherent rant.

      Report Post » Bruce P.  
    • girlnurse
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 1:11pm

      Come on BRUCE P. Because the athiests primary target is NOT Islam. It is Christianity. Duh

      Report Post » girlnurse  
    • PROSECUTE_PUBLIC_SERVANTS__FOR_CONSTITUTIONAL_TREASON
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 1:18pm

      Fathers Day idea —- Buy your father or childrens father the Christian flag to display emblazed with the cross of Christ and support being salt and light to America. Support both flags of freedom and the hope of salvation in the cross of the Christian flag.

      Evil has always existed. The downfall of America is not the evil but the need for salt and light of Christians. Don’t hide your candle under a bushel. We need Christians to openly stand for truth and Jesus Christ. Take a stand this Fathers Day.

      The new blend of religion “Chrislam” wants to take the cross out of Christ and reduce Christ to the islam christ who was not God’s Son. Support the cross. Fly a Christian flag.

      Report Post »  
    • PROSECUTE_PUBLIC_SERVANTS__FOR_CONSTITUTIONAL_TREASON
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 1:19pm

      Fathers Day idea —- Buy your father the Christian flag to display emblazed with the cross of Christ and support being salt and light to America. Support both flags of freedom and the hope of salvation in the cross of the Christian flag.

      Evil has always existed. The downfall of America is not the evil but the need for salt and light of Christians. Don’t hide your candle under a bushel. We need Christians to openly stand for truth and Jesus Christ. Take a stand this Fathers Day.

      The new blend of religion “Chrislam” wants to take the cross out of Christ and reduce Christ to the islam christ who was not God’s Son. Support the cross. Fly a Christian flag.

      Report Post »  
  • The Third Archon
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 1:07am

    From a legal perspective, I have to compliment the authors of the amendment for what is a pretty well articulated and tightened-down definition. But, a reasonable interpretation of the requirements would yield the conclusion that it is the STATUS QUO de jure requirement of the Free Exercise clause [of the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution], even if this de jure requirement isn’t practiced perfectly de facto–which laws never are. Government is ALREADY legally bound to not force citizens to violate religious practices or beliefs unless their is a compelling justification. The devil is in the details as always though, in terms of what gets counted as a “compelling justification.”

    Report Post » The Third Archon  
  • 2Amendment
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 10:53pm

    Many commenters have a badly misconstrued understannding of religious freedom as represented in the First Amendment, While nearly everyone knows about the wall of separation not found in the First Amenment, many lack understanding of the prohibiting of “the free exercise thereof”.

    This amenmment to North Dekota Constitution seems to be consistent with SCOUS decisions on the matter.

    Report Post »  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 1:08am

      “This amenmment to North Dekota Constitution seems to be consistent with SCOUS decisions on the matter.”
      Yes, so consistent as to be redundant.

      Report Post » The Third Archon  
  • Elena2010
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 10:24pm

    They had troubles of this sort w/muslims cabbies in Minnesota refusing to take passengers who had seeing eye dogs, booze in luggage, etc.

    Report Post » Elena2010  
  • Joe Bonham
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 7:43pm

    Anyone on this forum who loves theocracy is more than welcome to move to Iran. They follow the laws of the Old Testament to the letter!

    Those of us who want a secular republic stay here and fight the religious extremists who threaten it.

    Report Post »  
    • fedupv2
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 8:08pm

      You really need to start studying the Bible before you comment like that. That comment comes from someone who lets themselves be influenced by another person.

      Report Post »  
    • thetwilightzone
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:14pm

      fedupv2: You forget that Christianity is not the only religion in this country. There are muslims who would love this law to be passed. Sharia is based solely on religion and is not a religion we would want the courts to uphold. It goes against everything in our constitution.

      Report Post »  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 9:10am

      TWILIGHT – excellent point.

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • Robert Hawk
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 5:06am

      Islam does not buy any stretch of the imagination, follow the laws of the old testament to the letter. The Ishmalite religion of Mohammed has nothing to do with Hebrew law. Read Genesis 16,17,21 and understand that in Isaac was Abrahams seed to be called, not Ishmael. There is no such thing as the Abrahamic faith which is where your misguided comments are moored. If Islam actually did follow Hebrew law to the letter, there would not exist among them one Extreamists bent upon the mass murder of innocent people as this is not allowed in Hebrew law. they would understand that the Lord God of Israel is judge and not some man or Imam. as Christ said you will know them by their fruit. Also Christ identified the sons of Cain (Satan) in John 8 ( final verses) that description fits the terrorists to a tee.

      Report Post » Robert Hawk  
  • thetwilightzone
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 7:21pm

    Bad idea. Nobody is talking about how the measure opens the door for Sharia.

    Report Post »  
    • FNGRNFAN
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 8:11pm

      Exactly thank you there are already muslims in high ranks of our own gov. pushing this c**p on our military. I hope the people of North Dakota are on top of this one. Sharia has no place in this country fight in every step.

      Report Post » FNGRNFAN  
  • NHwinter
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 5:13pm

    a man and a woman.

    Obama not only lifted the ban on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research (which has yet to cure any human being of a disease), he rescinded President Bush’s executive order to fund adult stem cell research (which has resulted in treating more than a hundred diseases and medical conditions). Obama is the “anti-science” president, not Bush!

    Obama’s stance against the freedom of religious organizations to hire people with their values was so extreme that the Supreme Court ruled against him 9-0 (even his own liberal appointees disagreed!).

    NHwinter  
  • hauschild
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:48pm

    May have to re-think my making ND my summer (or maybe fulltime) retirement areas (if I’m ever able to retire at an age that finds me having my wits about me).

    Is there any place in this country left where people behave normally???

    Report Post »  
  • NJBarFly
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:41pm

    This sounds like it will hurt business. If Walgreens hires someone in the pharmacy who doesn’t believe in medicine, can they just sit in the corner and do nothing? Can someone who doesn’t believe in things like blood transfusions get a job in the hospital? As a business owner, if I hire you do do a job, I expect it to be done. If you have a religious issue with the job, then you shouldn’t apply for it.

    Report Post » NJBarFly  
    • thetwilightzone
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 7:24pm

      In Minnesota muslims already have the right to refuse to do any work against Sharia. Such as at Target, a muslim cashier doesn’t have to ring up any item containing pork. Cab drivers don’t have to transport liquor or seeing eye dogs.

      Report Post »  
    • From Virginia
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 7:54pm

      @Thetwilitezone – I’m sure the barfly is FOR muslims refusing to do their work. It’s only Christians that should be forced to perform abortions or provide the morning after pill – even if those people could be reasonably accomidated, Christians need to be FORCED, against their will, to disobey God and their conscience.

      Report Post »  
    • NJBarFly
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 9:41am

      Virginia, um, no. Thanks for the completely baseless assumption though. I believe muslims, and any other religion for that matter, should have to do their job as well. If you can’t check out pork in the grocery store, then you shouldn’t be working there. Sorry if this doesn’t fit your “atheists only attack Christians” narrative.

      Report Post » NJBarFly  
  • phillyatheist
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:59pm

    here’s an excellent article (op-ed) on the subject:

    http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20120605/OPINION01/206050376

    Report Post » phillyatheist  
  • Lloyd Drako
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:31pm

    “Compelling governmental interest.” There’s a hole big enough to sail the Queen Mary through, if ND had an ocean.

    Report Post » Lloyd Drako  
  • SREGN
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:28pm

    In his inaugural address George Washington dedicated this country to God and to following his laws. In the same address he also predicted calamities befalling us if we drift away. The WTC attack and the following economic crisis were a warning to us to heed Washington’s words. Bomama and his evil congressional henchmen want to take us as far away from God as they can. Bomama has shaken his fist in God’s face, and I dread the result.

    Report Post »  
    • brntout
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:14pm

      A bolt of lightning will do just fine,from Him above,

      Report Post »  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:21pm

      “Bobama” sure has shaken his fist at God. how dare he be black?! or is there something else he‘s done to God or Religion that i’m not aware of?

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • NHwinter
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:37pm

      phillyatheist – you are pathetic. His policies have nothing to do with the color of his skin. He could be white as white can be (he is half white) and his policies would still stink. If you don’t know what he is doing to religious freedom then you are not able to read and comprehend.

      Report Post » NHwinter  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:46pm

      NH – you discuss his “policies” as if there are more than one. you are obviously referring to the contraception mandate. if you feel that is an attack on religious freedom, then we are going to have to agree to disagree. i see it as no such thing. not even a little bit. not even close.

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • NHwinter
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 5:05pm

      phillyatheist – his policies! From “The War on Values and Culture”:

      In prepared remarks, Vice President Biden said he had no objections to China’s forced abortion policy.

      With several new policies and edicts, Obama has ensured that federal funds are now paying for abortion. He is clearly the most pro-abortion president in history.

      Education Secretary Arne Duncan warned public school districts about blocking students from forming gay themed organizations.

      HHS administrator Pam Hyde declared, “Your federal government has finally come out of the closet in support of LGBT youth.” HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said, “I want to tell you, you have a friend in this administration, who will stand beside you each and every step along the way.”

      Obama’s HHS website promoted the idea that kids may “experiment” with homosexuality.

      The Obama Administration initially refused to publicize the results of their own study that abstinence education programs actually work.

      President Obama declared his support for “age-appropriate” sex education for kindergarteners.

      The survey of our military men and women about “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” may have been a sham to mislead Congress—the executive report of the findings was written before the survey was actually taken!

      Attorney General Eric Holder and Obama appear to be in collusion in refusing to defend, and even attempting to overturn, democratically decided laws defining marriage as between

      Report Post » NHwinter  
    • NHwinter
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 5:14pm

      a man and a woman
      .Obama not only lifted the ban on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research (which has yet to cure any human being of a disease), he rescinded President Bush’s executive order to fund adult stem cell research (which has resulted in treating more than a hundred diseases and medical conditions). Obama is the “anti-science” president, not Bush!

      Obama’s stance against the freedom of religious organizations to hire people with their values was so extreme that the Supreme Court ruled against him 9-0 (even his own liberal appointees disagreed!).

      Report Post » NHwinter  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 5:25pm

      NH – i‘m afraid you’re a little too far out there for me to feel comfortable communicating with. i’m not even going to respond to your assertions. good luck in life.

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • NHwinter
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 5:27pm

      Good response. When presented with facts, you have nothing to say. Good luck to you also.

      Report Post » NHwinter  
  • phillyatheist
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:26pm

    i watched the entire video. let’s call this what it is: “Christians want to do want we want and we don’t want any Federal laws to get in our way.”

    gov’t says abortion is legal – our religion says it’s not. we win.

    gov’t says you must provide contraceptive care for employees – our religion says we do not. we win.

    gov‘t says that you can’t bully gays for religious reasons – our religion says we can. we win.

    gov‘t says that you can’t stone people to death – our religion says we can. we win.

    (ok, i made that last one up…mostly)

    Report Post » phillyatheist  
  • phillyatheist
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:16pm

    Religious Freedom is under attack…in bizarro America.

    in bizarro America, having 38,000 different congregations of Christianity, enjoying tax exempt status, nearing 100% representation in Congress, wielding incredible political power makes for an attack against Religion.

    cry me a river.

    Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • lukerw
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:02pm

      Cry, cry, cry; Babies are born Stupid & Atheists… and Adult Atheists are Babies who never Grew Up!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • cessna152
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:57pm

      Philly,

      Do you feel this way about Muslims? Hinduism? Or is it just Christians you hate? You probably preach tolerance and protection of children. Yet you demonize and hate Christians and support abortion. Why?
      Please tell me why you support BIG government that has killed hundreds of millions of innocent people in less than 100 years? Why support 50,000 plus man made laws that rob you of freedom but oppose “2 laws” of Jesus that promote freedom, love and peace?

      Report Post » cessna152  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 5:30pm

      CESSNA – i don’t hate Christianity. i hate the idea that Christians are somehow being persecuted in America. they are not.

      you asked why i support abortion – largely because i’m realistic. people get pregnant who do not want to become parents. they may not be able to afford to care for a child, or they are not mature enough to do so. they will find a way to abort. and it may be much more dangerous for the actual person who is having the procedure if it is not legal.

      you obviously believe that life starts at conception. i do not. i’m not alone in this belief.

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
  • cessna152
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:13pm

    >>>>…”because it will seriously undercut protection for children in our state by opening the door for people to claim religious freedom as a justification for maltreatment,” he claims”.<<<<<<<
    _______________________________________________________________________________

    I want government as far away from infiltrating Christianity and religion as possible. However, when statements like above are made it sends up a RED flag. Dope, where in the Bible does it say to beat the S-it out of your child? These dopey liberals always saying "protect the child, protect the child" yet they'll abort it in the 9 month of pregnancy. Man oh man, do I hate you Marxist/Nazi/Maoist?liberals/Progressives! Such hypocritical liars…

    Report Post » cessna152  
  • COFemale
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:12pm

    The problem I see is in “Sharia Creep”. What if the state feels they don’t have a compelling interest to prevent a Muslim man to beat his wife? I see so many ways this can be exploited the wrong way. I know the people have good intentions, but they are opening the door wide open. I hope the good people of North Dakota do vote NO, but HELL NO.

    Stop with the regulations please.

    Report Post » COFemale  
  • phillyatheist
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:09pm

    jobs jobs jobs.

    unless of course, you realize that you have no idea how to fix the problems and create jobs.

    so you move on to social issues. this is what is happening all over the country in GOP dominated states.

    Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • qpwillie
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:15pm

      Jobs is one of the symptoms of the disease and the economy in general is another one. Fix the disease and the symptoms will disappear. Any fix for the symptoms alone will be temporary.

      Report Post » qpwillie  
    • SquidVetOhio
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:21pm

      What do you liberals know about a job?

      Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:27pm

      SQUID – since you asked, i’ve been continuously employed since graduating from college.

      are you implying that only Republicans work? i mean, i know from your previous posts that you’re not very bright, but that’s just downright stupid.

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • Henrys_Ghost
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:40pm

      “jobs jobs jobs.

      unless of course, you realize that you have no idea how to fix the problems and create jobs.

      so you move on to social issues. this is what is happening all over the country in DEM dominated states.”

      There, I corrected it for you, SILLYATHEIST. and why stop at states? The POTUS seems awfully concerned with social issues, never mind any “shovel ready jobs”

      The only job he seems concerned about is his

      Report Post » Henrys_Ghost  
  • deeberj
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:05pm

    Voting yes for this would be another step towards stopping the liberal marxist anti-religion left from taking our constitutional rights away from us.

    Report Post » deeberj  
  • lukerw
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:01pm

    We are a Predator Speices; We do not have Conscientious Objectors. But, we do have… fear…

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • encinom
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:57pm

    Another power grab and another step closer to replacing the democratic republic with the tyranny of a Christian Theocracy.

    Report Post »  
    • thegreatcarnac
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:06pm

      No…fool! We are going back to the constitution and freedom. People like you cannot handle freedom. You need talking points and big brother to tell you what to do.

      Report Post »  
    • gregjackie1
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:11pm

      Hey Encinom. Are you delusional. The only tyranny taking place here is in the whitehouse. Obama and Holder. Open your eyes fool. Were the founders for tyranny? They spoke often of god and their duty to god.

      Report Post »  
    • Tindalas
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:13pm

      once again an idiot lifts its head out of the sand to spew forth dirrhea from their mouth…

      I really have to ask…do you have a though or idea that is your own???

      Report Post » Tindalas  
    • undercover
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:14pm

      Christians CREATED the democratic republic 2 centuries ago and youre just now worried about Christian tyranny? Seems like you and the progressive “regulators” are using a favorite tactic of accusing others of what they are doing themselves.

      Report Post »  
    • SquidVetOhio
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:23pm

      Yea right because, we’re WAY MORE christian now than we were just 50 years ago…….

      smh…..

      Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
    • DIR
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:26pm

      I once came across a person who was known to make interesting provocative statements. When I hadn’t seen the person around for a while, I asked someone what had happened to this particular individual. I was told the person was taken ‘back’ to the ‘funny farm’, their home away from home.

      The only freedom encinom apparently cares about is their own. How and why is it that Christianity, a main stay of this country since its founding, all of a sudden is attempting a tyranny? Is it kinda like how Christianity has taken over political control of Russia, China, Cuba, Europe, and other like nations? These are rhetorical questions that don’t need an answer. Don’t get me wrong, there are of course nutty christians, most are liberal.

      Report Post »  

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love