Archive for the 'Mark Movsesian' Category

As we await the Court’s decision in Christian Legal Society v. Martinez, I’d like to reflect on an aspect of last month’s oral argument and what it may suggest about our culture’s view of sexuality.

Repeatedly, the justices turned to whether CLS was discriminating on the basis of status or belief. Did CLS exclude people because of their sexual orientation – their status –or because of their convictions about homosexual conduct – their beliefs? CLS maintained it was the latter, but at least some justices were skeptical. Here, for example, is an exchange between Justice Sotomayor and CLS’ attorney, Michael McConnell:

Here’s an interesting letter that appeared in the Telegraph (London) last week, signed by six prominent Anglican bishops, including the former Archbishop of Canterbury. The British National Health Service has decided that a nurse, Ms. Shirley Chaplin, may no longer see patients. Why? Ms. Chaplin refuses to remove a cross that she wears around her neck. The letter points out that the NHS allows adherents of other religions to wear religious insignia while tending patients and argues that the NHS’ decision is an example of a pattern of discrimination against the “Christian community” in British society (see, for example, a similar controversy at British Airways). The bishops want to make this alleged discrimination an issue in the upcoming general election.