The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.
Many government officials are operating in violation of the Establishment Clause, and they are getting away with it simply because their religion has no name.
The First Amendment of the US Constitution specifically states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
When a religion has a name like Catholicism or Judaism it can be discriminated against by government officials. When a religion has no name it is more difficult to prevent its establishment by government entities.
According to Merriam Webster dictionary a religion is “a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith.”
It takes faith to believe that an individual can be a woman if they simply identify as being a woman regardless of biological facts. The movement after all has common religious elements including symbols (flag), celebrations (Pride Fest), rituals (drag shows), and community.
When the cause of gender self-identification and gender fluidity is forced upon the subjects of government it moves past personal tolerance and personal morals to the attempted establishment of a moral code and set of beliefs. When governments celebrate and honor a group of people based on the group’s beliefs, how is that not a violation of the Establishment Clause?
According to Cornell University Law School’s website that discusses the First Amendment, the Establishment Clause “not only forbids the government from establishing an official religion, but also prohibits government actions that unduly favor one religion over another. It also prohibits the government from unduly preferring religion over non-religion, or non-religion over religion.”
In essence, the government’s responsibility is to remain neutral.
Governments, including school districts, city halls, and even governor’s offices, that openly embrace transgenderism and fly the “pride flag” in or on government buildings are clearly not remaining neutral in a matter of faith.
It is within the purview of government to enact and enforce anti-discrimination laws for its citizens. Every US citizen’s rights are worthy of protection.
Governments violate the Establishment Clause when they move beyond the protection of rights to advocacy of beliefs.
— Allen, R-Waukesha, represents the 97th Assembly District.
