There’s been a lot of talk about “religious freedom” in recent years in connection with debates concerning abortion, during which some folks have argued that abortion is wrong because their religion forbids it.
But I find it important to recognize that “religious freedom” has two aspects, namely,
- “freedom to”, and
- “freedom from.”
More specifically, “religious freedom to“ is the freedom to practice one’s religion without regulation. The government or others may not tell people how they may or may not practice their religion (except in cases where that practice harms others). In the context of the abortion debate, “freedom to” means — among other things — one has the right to express their belief that abortion is wrong and should not be allowed. One has the right to refuse an abortion. And one has the right to argue in favor of its prohibition.
But “freedom from” means that if one believes that abortion is acceptable in some circumstances — and may even be required by one’s religion in some circumstances — others may not enforce their religious beliefs/practices upon that person and prevent them from having an abortion if they believe it necessary.
So we must find ways to acknowledge and celebrate both “religious freedom to” and “religious freedom from.”
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