Freedom of Irreligion

Opinion

When Roe v Wade was overturned there were several constitutional violations involved. Roe cited multiple amendments as her defense including the first amendment. I want to emphasize that’s the first amendment to the constitution. The one that comes before all the others. This is the freedom of speech, press, and religious freedom. But who decides the meaning of life and what does religious freedom mean?

All Americans deserve the freedom to follow their religious convictions without fear of persecution. The United States seems to have a connotation as a Christian nation, but every religious community has representation in this country. The idea that America is a Christian nation stems from the heavy Christian influence in United States politics. Christian congress has the majority by 86%, therefore this religion predominantly writes the narrative ideology behind conservative policy especially the anti-choice movement.

While members of the GOP are celebrating their right to religious exercise against abortion, I want to know how this overturn isn’t a violation of my right to irreligion? Irreligion means indifference or rejection to religion. I don’t go to church. I haven’t been an active church member in almost 10 years and I do not find personal support in any defined religion. I have first amendment protections to continue my lifestyle.

Seeing the amount of proud, conservative Christian voices in political environments harms Americans like me who want religion removed from politics. I do not and will never consider converting. I have a right to reject your philosophies. Irreligious people suffer under ideologically harmful policy, while Christian people receive all reproductive protections under progressive legislation. This is not a democracy.

Overturning Roe v Wade stripped Americans’ right to complete autonomy. We the people deserve to think for ourselves. That’s the constitution.