North Carolina Religious Freedom-Bill on Hold (10)

http://www.wsj.com/articles/north-carolina-religious-freedom-bill-on-hold-1427908505 Recently, a bill was proposed in North Carolina that is very similar to the recently passed Indiana bill. However, NC House Speaker Tim Moore (R) has stated that the bill is on hold while sponsors evaluate its potential for unintended consequences. Moore has stated a desire to “balance” religious freedom and lack of discrimination, although he has also discussed that there are not any current pressing matters of discrimination under North Carolina’s current sanctions. This relates to our class because of our study of state government and civil rights and liberties. This bill definitely presents a danger to not only gay rights, but also ethnic rights. The fact that people would be able to refuse service to anyone deemed as in “violation” of their religion, it gives discrimination a little rock to hide under. Although Moore has said that they do not want to sanction discrimination, it would very hard to prevent under this possible legislation. I think that the delay of the bill is a good move. People really need to think about the implications this could have for our citizens. We welcome many different religions, ethnicities, sexualities, and levels of wealth into our state and our laws should protect all of us equally with no potential for discrimination.