Citizens have right to exercise religious liberty

The Gazette Editorial Board, we can assume all members are in agreement, has once again reaffirmed its support for sodomite marriage (“Pick the right fight,” Oct. 16). They temper their support by saying the lawsuit to force Richard and Betty Odgaard of Grimes to rent their private facility for a same-sex ceremony “ … seems over the top.” Why? Not because it violates a Christian's conscience or their First Amendment right of freedom of religion, but because of the “ … potential for public backlash.” It's politics. Nationally, 85 percent of Americans don't agree with forcing Christians to support same-sex marriage individually or through their business.

The Gazette also said it backs “ … the right of religious institutions to conduct religious weddings in line with their beliefs.” What a horselaugh. Gazette, I hate to break the news, but American citizens have the right to exercise their religious liberty as individuals, not just institutions. And guess what? Since our right to religious liberty isn't granted by you or any judge in this land, it can't be taken away because it's given to us by God. Dare anyone whisper civil disobedience?

Gazette, you have abandoned the principles of America's Founders and as a result truth is beyond your opinion or the judge-made law you cherish. Where is it? Where free men always have, the written word of God, the Authorized 1611 King James Bible.

Aaron Rivera

Blairstown