This is Viewpoints for Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Religious liberty
I think the issue of gay marriage could have been avoided if state legislators would have enacted laws allowing civil unions. Instead they enacted legislation that was so blatantly discriminatory that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that they were illegal. I am concerned that the same thing will happen again.
The Georgia General Assembly, like other state legislatures, has enacted a Religious Liberty bill. There is a high probability that the Supreme Court will rule that these laws are also discriminatory and therefore illegal. Despite what some allege, there is no law that requires a member of the clergy to marry a same-sex couple.
I do not believe a same-sex couple would hire an anti-same-sex baker to bake a cake with a representation of same-sex couple on its top. I do not believe a same-sex couple would hire an anti-same-sex photographer to take pictures of their service and reception. I do not believe a same-sex couple would hire an anti-same-sex caterer to prepare and serve food at their reception. I do not believe a same-sex couple would hire an anti-same-sex bartender to prepare and serve drinks at their reception.
I am certain if a baker, photographer, caterer or bartender informed a same-sex couple that they had religious objections to same-sex marriage and did not want to provide the requested services, the couple would hire an individual who had no objections and was willing to provide the requested service.
I am also certain that most same-sex couples want to go ahead with their wedding and not instigate a lawsuit to force an antagonistic individual to participate in their wedding. Also, I am certain most same-sex couples would not want the cost and hassle to instigate a lawsuit against an anti same-sex individual.
— Jim Costello
Perry
Gov. Nathan Deal has announced his intention to veto the House Bill 757, the religious liberty bill, calling it unnecessary.
— Editors
Vote McCord
Upon visiting the Bibb County tag office recently, I was very excited with the uncommon efficiency of a government entity. What normally took an hour or so in the past, took less than 10 minutes this time. I was very impressed and was told this had all happened recently under the leadership of current county Tax Commissioner Wade McCord. I would wholeheartedly recommend him for tax commissioner in the coming election.
Remember, to vote for Wade McCord. You must vote in the Democratic Primary in May, which in no way affects your vote in November.
— Minor Vernon
Macon
Change the law?
I would like to comment on the March 24 article about felony driving laws by Becky Purser. It was brought to light that 64.96 percent of those arrested for driving with suspended, revoked or no licenses were black, and the law should be changed so it is not a felony. It was also stated that these drivers were not harming anyone or damaging any property. Duh.
They did not make any statement about why these suspensions or revocations were enacted. Everyone has to buy insurance, and if you're smart you will buy extra collateral damage insurance to protect yourself from these uninsured drivers who just don't care.
It is not the tag scammers that cause this but the reckless and inattentive driving practices that cause the scam (Thank you deputies for your diligence). If they wish to cancel the felony charge, how about losing your car tag for the duration of the charge with a fee to get it back. This would also reduce people lending their vehicles to people with no license. They will eventually want to reduce other felonies to misdemeanors due the percentage information.
— Carl Lewis
Fort Valley
No excuse
Sunday's Telegraph headline "Did Heaven have to die?" first caught my attention and then the article broke my heart. I long and pray for a society that will not let crimes against helpless children go on.
A lack of manpower in a government agency is no excuse. I beg anyone who has a child that is unwanted to contact an agency that will care for the child rather than venting their frustration and anger upon the innocent child.
— Harold Lemley
Macon
Old law
Having just viewed Chris Matthews and Donald Trump discuss abortion, it came to me what the law was in New York State in the 1930-1940 years. Abortion was only legal if one of the following conditions was present: rape, incest or danger to the life of the mother.
The first two conditions being obvious, only the last, life of the mother, might need some explanation. A mother with children might opt for an abortion on their behalf of her children. However, if it is the mother's first child, she might take the chance of her survival to ensure "new life" and for the sake of the father.
As I thought of this law being implemented in the states today, it might cause a rash of apoplexy among the legal professions.
— Gilbert R. Switzer
Warner Robins
This story was originally published April 4, 2016 at 8:19 PM with the headline "This is Viewpoints for Tuesday, April 5, 2016 ."