Refusal of Service

Michigan House Passed Bill Allowing EMTs To Refuse Treatment To Gay People

http://www.newnownext.com/michigan-house-passed-bill-allowing-emts-to-refuse-treatment-to-gay-people/12/2014/

Republicans in Michigan have passed a bill that would allow for anyone to refuse service to anyone based on religious beliefs. This bill is so broad that it would permit “Catholic high school refuse to hire a Muslim janitor, and a DMV clerk deny a new driver’s license to someone who is divorced.” This bill would also allow for EMTs to refuse emergency treatment to anyone who is a member of the LGBT community. Also pharmacists can refuse to give medication such as birth control.

“The idea that we need to ‘restore’ religious freedom — rights that are already enshrined in the U.S. Constitution — is a farce created by conservative lawmakers for the sole purpose of appeasing their far-right donors and the religious right,” said Lonnie Scott of Progress Michigan. If I am reading this correctly I completely agree with Lonnie Scott. I feel that every citizen should be entitled and given the same rights and treatment as every other. This is still a way off but if we as a county are to reach this point this bill is a step in the wrong direction. The First Amendment protects both freedom of religion, and freedom from religion. But this law doesn't protect people from religion. All it does is allow for others to force their religious beliefs and customs on others that can drastically impact another’s life.