Pence Promises Trump Administration Will Be ‘Dedicated’ to Protecting Religious Liberty'

October 7, 2016 (LifeSiteNews) — A Trump-Pence administration will “err on the side of freedom” when it comes to religious liberty and empower local communities to address issues of bathroom privacy because the government “has no business imposing its will or its values” in that arena, Gov. Mike Pence told Dr. James Dobson on his radio show Wednesday.

Pence and his wife, Karen, were guests on the pro-family leader’s Family Talk show. Pence told Dobson that Donald Trump will appoint judges “to the Supreme Court and all of our courts in the tradition of the late and great Justice Antonin Scalia.”

The Republican vice presidential nominee blasted the HHS abortion and contraception mandate that is attempting to force the Little Sisters of the Poor and many other faith-based institutions to formally cooperate via their employee health plans in the provision of life-ending drugs and devices.

“What I can tell you is that a Trump-Pence administration will be dedicated to preserving the liberties of our people, including the freedom of religion that’s enshrined in our bill of rights,” Pence said. “We have a long tradition in this country of accommodating religious belief and respecting religious belief. But under this administration, you’ve seen the heavy hand of government — whether it be in the Hobby Lobby case or whether it be in the Little Sisters of the Poor [case] — where there is an unwillingness by the administration to accommodate the religious sensibilities and convictions of ministries or private organizations.”

“Our administration’s going to err on the side of freedom,” he continued. “We’re going to err on the side of protecting the liberties of our people.”

The imposition of transgenderism on the country and new regulations attempting to force employers to fund “sex change” surgery are “such an example of” how under the Obama administration, there is “no area of our lives too small to … regulate, no aspect of our Constitution too large for them to be willing to ignore.”

“Donald Trump and I both believe [these issues] not only can be resolved with common sense at the local level, but they are every single day,” Pence said. “They should be resolved with the safety and well-being of our children first and foremost, their privacy interest and rights, and with common sense. Donald Trump and I simply believe that all of these issues are best resolved at the state level by the people of communities.”

Blasting the “heavy hand and liberal agenda” of the Obama administration, Pence said, “We’ll educate all of our kids, we’ll figure our way through these issues, but Washington has no business imposing its will or its values on communities around the nation.”

Pence said the administration under which he would be vice president would address issues of clashes between religious liberty and alleged discrimination through the courts, as has been “done throughout the history of this nation.”

“I truly believe that ensuring that we have people appointed to the court who will respect our Constitution and respect the God-given liberties that are enshrined there is very much, very much on the ballot this year,” he said.

Here is the letter that Donald Trump sent to CatholicVote.org. Click here to see the original letter in PDF form.

Brian Burch
President, CatholicVote.org
P.O. Box 259837
Madison, WI 53725

October 1, 2016

Mr. Burch,

Thank you for writing me on the critical issue of religious freedom and the growing concerns of Catholic voters. Like you, I understand the many ways this issue impacts millions of Americans, especially those cared for by Catholic hospitals and charities or students educated in successful Catholic schools today. Religious freedom is our First Freedom, and it must be respected.

Our current president has not respected American’s First Amendment rights. Many believe he has declared a war on Catholics. And my opponent promises to be even worse!

I grew up in New York City. I have tremendous respect for the role of the Catholic Church in helping build New York, as well as other cities and communities across the country. Dedicated Catholic priests and religious leaders have built hospitals, schools, churches and charities while Catholic workers helped build our roads and bridges and started countless thriving businesses.

As President, I promise that I will protect the rights of Catholics to live their faith, to serve their communities, and to act on their beliefs without fear. This approach one would think is just common sense. And I don’t care if people call it politically incorrect.

The priorities that the next President will need to establish are not known at this time. Protection of the nation and its citizens must come first. Getting the economy back on track must be near the top of the list. Preserving and protecting the rights of our citizens must also be in the mix. If Congress considers legislation such as the First Amendment Defense Act or the Conscience Protection Act a priority, then I will do all I can to make sure it comes to my desk for signature and enactment.

Very respectfully,
Donald J. Trump

“Religious Liberty” is an untenable ideal. And actually when analyzed for just a few minutes one finds it totally incoherent.

How does a religion such as Islam coexist peacefully with Christianity?

Above all religion is a belief system. And there are belief systems that are 180 degrees opposite each other.

How can such belief systems peacefully coexist within the same society? We’re seeing daily evidence that they can’t.

The Muslims may actually be more realistic about this than the simple minded dreamers of the West.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.