An editorial from The Register-Herald
BECKLEY, W.Va. — Here’s a new one out of Charleston: Republican lawmakers — who have been touting a “business friendly” agenda this legislative season — are at odds with typically conservative business groups and assorted chambers of commerce across the state. The rub? The proposed Religious Freedom Restoration Act that takes center stage in the House of Delegates this Thursday.
Republicans are lined up behind the bill. Businesses, not so much.
If passed and signed into law, the bill would allow individuals to be excused from any state or local law if they claim their religious freedoms were affected in some way. For example, if a baker said his religious beliefs didn’t permit him to bake a wedding cake for a gay couple, he could not be forced to do so – that it would be against his religious beliefs.
Proponents say the legislation is necessary to protect religious liberties beyond the church door.
The LGBT community and critics say — and we agree — the act is tacit approval to discriminate against gays and lesbians…