Now, I’m Liberal, but to a Degree: An Essay on Debating Religious Liberty and Discrimination.

33 Pages Posted: 9 Jun 2021 Last revised: 3 Jul 2022

See all articles by Francis Joseph Beckwith

Francis Joseph Beckwith

Baylor University - Department of Philosophy; Baylor University - Department of Political Science; Baylor University - Institute for Studies of Religion

Date Written: June 4, 2018

Abstract


This essay is a critical analysis of the book authored by John Corvino, Sherif Girgis, and Ryan T. Anderson, Debating Religious Liberty and Discrimination. The book offers two contrary views on how best to think about some of the conflicts that have arisen over religious liberty and anti-discrimination laws, e.g., Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Comm’n, 138 S. Ct. 1719 (2018). One position is defended by Corvino, and the other by Girgis and Anderson. After a brief discussion of the differing views of religious liberty throughout American history (including the American founding), this essay summarizes each side’s arguments. This is followed by two sets of critical comments: (1) Neither side adequately explains why the celebration of weddings—the focus of the most prominent cases—are thought to have religious significance by many citizens; and (2) Each side is making arguments that the other side would have made until just recently. It seems that yesterday’s liberals have become today’s moralists and vice versa.

Keywords: anti-discrimination law, religious liberty, Masterpiece Cakeshop, gay rights

Suggested Citation

Beckwith, Francis, Now, I’m Liberal, but to a Degree: An Essay on Debating Religious Liberty and Discrimination. (June 4, 2018). Cleveland State Law Review, Vol. 67, No. 2, 2018, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3859781

Francis Beckwith (Contact Author)

Baylor University - Department of Philosophy ( email )

One Bear Place #97273
Waco, TX 76798-7273
United States
254-710-6464 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://francisbeckwith.com

Baylor University - Department of Political Science

Baylor University - Institute for Studies of Religion

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