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On Wednesday, January 11, 2012, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) unanimously (I.E. both "liberal" and "conservative" judges) ruled that religious organizations can discriminate at will in deciding whom to hire and fire, as long as those people have the title of "minister."
On the one hand, I'm a firm and staunch supporter in the Separation of Church and State, and believe that freedom of religion is also freedom from religion.
And I can see how, if government officials are allowed to a say in what's considered a "real" religion and who's considered a "real" minister, life could get very dicey and uncomfortable for those with minority belief systems in this culture.
However -- the reason, (on supposed religious grounds) that Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School fired Cheryl Perich was that she sued the school for violation of the American with Disabilities Act, and it's against their religion to involve the courts in settling disputes.
Oh, how convenient. [/Church-Lady Voice]
The thing is: Suing in the Courts is the only provision of enforcement written into the ADA Law.
When the ADA became law 21 1/2 years ago, being told I had the right to sue someone who denied me access sounded like a fantastic gift and a tool of empowerment. But over the years, I've come to see that provision (especially since it's the only tooth that the ADA has) as a tool of disempowerment for PWD. Allowing us to sue also allows those with ability-privilege (like playground bullies) to play "Keep Away" with our civil rights.
Besides, for those business owners who might otherwise want to be inclusive, being told they'd "Better do this right, or you're gonna get sued!" is hardly conducive to fostering an atmosphere of openness and flexibility.
But now that the ADA is law, I don't know how to change it.
*sigh*
On the one hand, I'm a firm and staunch supporter in the Separation of Church and State, and believe that freedom of religion is also freedom from religion.
And I can see how, if government officials are allowed to a say in what's considered a "real" religion and who's considered a "real" minister, life could get very dicey and uncomfortable for those with minority belief systems in this culture.
However -- the reason, (on supposed religious grounds) that Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School fired Cheryl Perich was that she sued the school for violation of the American with Disabilities Act, and it's against their religion to involve the courts in settling disputes.
Oh, how convenient. [/Church-Lady Voice]
The thing is: Suing in the Courts is the only provision of enforcement written into the ADA Law.
When the ADA became law 21 1/2 years ago, being told I had the right to sue someone who denied me access sounded like a fantastic gift and a tool of empowerment. But over the years, I've come to see that provision (especially since it's the only tooth that the ADA has) as a tool of disempowerment for PWD. Allowing us to sue also allows those with ability-privilege (like playground bullies) to play "Keep Away" with our civil rights.
Besides, for those business owners who might otherwise want to be inclusive, being told they'd "Better do this right, or you're gonna get sued!" is hardly conducive to fostering an atmosphere of openness and flexibility.
But now that the ADA is law, I don't know how to change it.
*sigh*
