Laws independent from religion

As I read Nina Culver’s article covering the events of Spokane’s Walk for Life anti-abortion event (“Anti-abortion activists fill downtown Spokane during Walk for Life,” Jan. 19), I could only respect the people using their voices and rights to stand up for what they believe in, even though I don’t align myself with pro-life views.

What I could not respect was the statement made by Charlotte Oliva, the event organizer. She said (as summarized by Culver) that “The United States has distanced itself from God, which allowed the government to legalize abortion.” Aligning religious motivations with laws affecting millions of people goes directly against the Free Exercise Clause and Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

This is why I’m urging our legislative leaders to view abortion access not in the eyes of what a book might tell you, but what your citizens are begging from you. As Roe v. Wade is threatened by lawmakers that sign off on directly contradictory laws, it is more important than ever to understand who you are representing. We don’t need to lose agency over our own bodies based on a question of philosophy. We need abortion access.

K.C. Binegar

Boise, Idaho