Our View

Our View

Rutledge standing up for individual rights

Kudos to Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge on leading a 13-state coalition in filing a friend-of-thecourt brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the right of a florist in Washington state to deny services to a same-sex couple because of the florist’s religious beliefs.

While we commend Rutledge representing Arkansas on this important and controversial issue we’re afraid the left-wing liberal views of those justices will side with this same-sex couple.

The brief was filed in the case of Barronelle Stutzman, who is being sued by the state of Washington for declining to create a floral arrangement and oversee its placement at a same-sex wedding. The state is suing Stutzman under its anti-discrimination law and unfair business practices act. To us, this is absolutely absurd but by the same token we recognize how the minority elements of this country have pushed their agendas upon the masses with little resistance we might add.

In Rutledge’s brief she states, “Our history encourages a public square with many voices, all trying to persuade others of their views. But respondents want all the voices either to agree on one view or to be silent. Because that runs counter to America’s history of free speech and religious exemptions – which are embedded in Washington’s constitution – (the states) respectfully urge this court to rule in appellants’ favor.”

We have to believe, as does Rutledge, that the actions of the defendant are not discriminatory or unlawful but rather reflect sincerely held religious beliefs that should be accommodated in our pluralistic and tolerant society.”

Fortunately for those of us in Arkansas our lawmakers, along with Gov. Asa Hutchinson approved a “religious freedom” law that prohibits the state from infringing on a person’s religious beliefs without a compelling reason. Sadly, liberal states such as Washington support actions, movements and demands from minority groups and individuals with self-serving agendas.

“Big Brother” government already infringes upon the rights of the so-called “little guy”, stymies small businesses and places undo hardships on struggling entrepreneurs who are the backbone of this country’s economic foundation.

Regardless of whether it involves same-sex couples, gay rights, black lives matter, anti-gun proponents, illegal immigrants or a number of other liberal activist groups with specific agendas that infringe upon the lives of everyone else, there comes a point when we, as a majority, put on foot down and make it absolutely clear enough is enough.

The question we’d like to ask is what about the rights of Barronelle Stutzman? What about his religious convictions? What about the rights of those individuals who strongly believe in all lives matter or those who are opposed to opening public restroom facilities to transgenders?

The pendulum has swung way to far to the left and this business of being political correct in this country has become an absolute laughing stock.