Discrimination: Then and Now

Much of the history of civilization is rooted in religion but over a long period of time, the principle of separation of church and state became the norm in most countries.  Neither government nor religion would step on each other's turf - live and let live, believe what you want, practice your values - just don't shove them down my cake-hole.  But today, intrusive government policies have shattered that division.  A turf war is underway and the state plans to win.

In America, the Governor of New York and the Mayor of New York City declare Christians (who support pro-life)  are not welcome in the state - Keep Out! ;  President Obama's administration tries to force Catholic institutions to give up their religious principles;  Hollywood celebrities treat supporters of traditional marriage like lepers - society's outcasts!  The trend in that country is obvious and relentlessly moving forward.  Next?  Take away their right to vote?  Bar them from government jobs?  Put their children in re-education camps?  Burn down their churches, synagogues and mosques - those odious symbols of backward thinking?

And Canada is no better.  Law school Deans try to prevent a new Christian - principled law school from being accredited, so called"right-wing"  pundits are restrained from speaking at some universities and in Quebec, the government's Bill 60 (heralded as the Charter of Quebec Values)  would outlaw the wearing of religious symbols by civil servants (as if the mere sight of a crucifix, kirpan or Kippah would spread panic among the populace).

In the 20th Century, prejudice based on gender, race, sexual orientation, age and disability led to overt discrimination.  In those days, we fought against those outrageous, unfounded, illogical prejudices because they denied people opportunities in the work-place, schools, housing, public services etc.  And we won!

But today, there is a growing trend (supported by many elected officials)  to legitimize discrimination against people who simply try to live up to their religious values.