Religious News Verses – Blasphemy, Cheerleaders for the Bible, and Health Care That Favors the Religious

Yesterday marked "International Blasphemy Day."   According to the Blasphemy Day web site,

The objective of International Blasphemy Day is to open up all religious beliefs to the same level of free inquiry, discussion and criticism to which all other areas of academic interest are subjected.

Why September 30?   The last day in September is the anniversary of the original publication of Danish cartoons in 2005 depicting the prophet Muhammad's face.   Any visual depiction of Muhammad is considered a grave offence under Islamic law.

CNN reported on the blasphemy event, noting that:

Criticizing God is an act punishable by death in several nations. In America, blasphemy laws remain on the books in six states, though they are largely arcane and not enforced.

(See Urbain Beck's article on the state blasphemy laws.)

In a community in the state of Georgia, high school cheerleaders have been writing bible verses on run-through banners.   The practice has been a tradition for years.   This year, they were told to stop because of First Amendment violations,.   Tuesday night, hundreds of people attended a rally in support of the cheerleaders and their bible banners.

The Secular Coalition for America (SCA) is opposing proposed "faith based" amendments to the health reform legislation.   Although the amendments will probably not be be included in the legislation, the Coalition said three proposed  amendments to the Senate Finance Committee's health care bill would alter public policy to privilege religious people and that voters need to voice opposition.   The Examiner reports on the three amendments, which include:

• A requirement that private and public health plans cover all "spiritual care." According to the SCA, "There currently exists some "spiritual care" coverage in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.   … [T]his 'spiritual care' includes reimbursements for payments that Christian Scientists make to members of the Church who pray for them when they are ill.   Numerous children have died while receiving this "spiritual care" when modern science would easily have saved their lives."
• A "conscience clause" that would make it possible for doctors and other health care providers to deny patients information  and care that goes against their religious beliefs, thus placing the practioner's religious beliefs above the health of the patient.
• Funding for "abstinence before marriage" programs.

Sphere: Related Content

Related posts:

1. Religious News Verses: Pot and Health Care
2. Religious News Verses: Health Care, Holy Wars and the GOP
3. Religious News Verses – Health Care, Religiosity and Personal Insecurity, Gringrich Crusades Against Secularism
4. Religious News Verses: Secularism and Conversions
5. Prayers as a Medical Expense in Health Care Reform
6. 27 Hours of Prayer Over Health Care Reform
7. Religious News Verses: Hinn Divorce, Blasphemy, Sparing the Rod and Spreading the Hate
8. Bush's Conscience Rules for the Health Care Industry May Be Rescinded
9. Utah Religious Leaders Gather for Health Care
10. Hospital Merger With Catholic Hospital Results in the Reduction of Reproductive Health Care

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