Title: Religious Liberty assignment
Introduction:
Religious liberty has been a fundamental right of American society since its creation. However, recent
Supreme Court cases such as Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) and Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil
Rights Commission (2018), have brought to light the complicated crossing of religious beliefs and
constitutional rights. In this paper, i will analyze these cases in light of America's religious and
constitutional heritage I will then examine the facts, legal questions, court decisions and rationales. I will
then assess what these decisions reveal about the current state of constitutional and religious liberties in
the United States.
Facts of the Cases:
1. Obergefell v. Hodges:
- Facts of the Case: This case involved a challenge to state bans on same sex marriages, with plaintiffs
arguing that such bans violated the Fourteenth Amendments Equal Protection Clause.
- Legal Question: Did state bans on same sex marriage violate the Fourteenth Amendments Equal
Protection Clause?
- Court's Decision: The Supreme Court held that state bans on same sex marriage were
unconstitutional, thereby legalizing same sex marriage nationwide.
- Court's Rationale: The Court reasoned that the right to marry is a fundamental right protected by the
Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment. It emphasized the importance
of individual independence and dignity in the context of marriage.
- Rationale of Dissenting Opinions: Dissenting opinions argued that the Court overstepped its limits by
redefining marriage and that the issue should be left to the democratic process.
2. Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission:
- Facts of the Case: The case involved a baker who refused to create a wedding cake for a same sex
couple, citing religious objections. The couple filed a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights
Commission, alleging discrimination based on sexual orientation.
- Legal Question: Did the Colorado Civil Rights Commission's actions violate the baker's First
Amendment rights to free speech and free exercise of religion?
- Court's Decision: The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the baker holding that the Colorado Civil Rights
Commission violated his First Amendment rights.
- Court's Rationale: The Court found that the Commissions actions displayed hostility towards the
bakers religious beliefs, thereby infringing upon his free exercise rights. It emphasized the importance of
religious neutrality and respect for genuinely held beliefs.
- Rationale of Dissenting Opinions: Dissenting opinions argued that the Court's decision undermined
anti discrimination laws and could lead to discrimination against marginalized groups.
Informed Analysis of the Cases:
1. These decisions in light of America's constitutional history:
- Obergefell: This decision reflects the advance understanding of equal protection and due process
rights, expanding the definition of marriage to include same sex couples.
- Masterpiece: The decision highlights the tension between religious freedom and anti discrimination
laws, displacing the ongoing struggle to balance competing constitutional principles.
2. These decisions in light of the Christian foundations of America:
- Obergefell: The decision challenges traditional Christian views on marriage, encouraging debates
about the role of religious beliefs in shaping public policy.
- Masterpiece: The decision recognizes the importance of religious beliefs and the need to
accommodate them within the context of public accommodations laws.
3. These decisions in light of specific Constitutional principles:
- Obergefell: The decision draws attention to the principles of equal protection and due process,
affirming the rights of same sex couples to marry.
- Masterpiece: The decision highlights the First Amendment principles of free speech and free exercise
of religion protecting individuals rights to express their religious beliefs.
4. These decisions in light of specific methods of Constitutional adjudication:
- Obergefell: The decision employs a broad interpretation of the Constitution recognizing the evolving
nature of constitutional rights.
- Masterpiece: The decision focuses on the specific facts of the case and the actions of the Colorado
Civil Rights Commission while applying a more narrow interpretation of the First Amendment.
Conclusion:
The Supreme Court's rulings have often come under careful examination due to the viewpoints
expressed on disputable cases. The basic concepts are quickly introduced. Religion is a highly debated
issue in courts and will always cause controversy. Despite the court's belief that their viewpoints align
with the Constitution, several individuals dispute the rulings. Until individuals grasp the view that mutual
understanding and cooperation require making compromises, there will always be a few that believes
reaching their own freedom demands blocking the freedom of others. The Obergefell and Masterpiece
cases provide valuable insights into the current state of constitutional and religious liberties in the
United States. These decisions reflect the ongoing tension between individual rights, religious beliefs and
societal norms. While Obergefell expanded the definition of marriage to include same sex couples,
Masterpiece highlighted the need to balance religious freedom with anti discrimination laws. These
cases demonstrate the complications of navigating religious liberty in a diverse and evolving society. As
the United States continues to struggle with these issues, it is important to engage in ongoing analysis
and discussion to ensure the preservation of both constitutional and religious liberties. The Bible
acknowledges and condemns sam sex marriage. However it also tells believers to avoid associating with
anyone who claims to be a fellow believer but engages in immoral or greedy behavior, idolatry, slander,
drunkenness.. In Corinthians 5:11, it is written: "So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at
home in the body or away from it. "
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