As well all know my ongoing civic issue thread is centered aroud the constant clash between religion and modern society, both socially and politically. For my persuasive essay I’m planning on staying on theme with the thread. I’m specifically planning on talking about the importance of separation of church and state.

The first amendment in the US Constitution states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” In other words the “establishment clause” and the “free exercise clause” prevents ay intertwinement of church and state. The metaphor “separation of church and state” itself was first used by Roger Williams, whom founded the colony of Providence in Rhode Island.

However, even with both clauses in mind, over the years and most importantly recently many political figures have allowed religion ideals and beliefs influence policy and law making. Which can most notably seen when we look at the the Alabama Supreme Court 8-1 majority ruling, issued on February 16, 2024, declaring that embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) should be considered “unborn children”, regardless of whether they have been placed within a woman’s uterus or not. Which to be completely direct, I don’t agree with at all, and this will without a doubt be touched on in the essay itself. A majority of people on the internet have been actively speaking out against this policy as well.

And with that numerous figures and news outlets have spoken on the topic, in a “The Nation” article, to be referenced in the essay as well, discusses Tom Parker’s, chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, and his use of the word “God” 41 times and using the bible as a reference in one of his personal statements on the case. This should not have happened, and it should not continue to happen, while we are all entitled to free speech and practice of religion it should not be applied towards policy, and keep in mind most of this has been and continues to come from political figures that are members of the Catholic/Christian/other divisions of the Church.

Currently I’m still working on deciding who this would be addressed towards, most likely a policy maker of some sort or to the Alabama Supreme Court itself, and whether it will be a question of policy or value, as both could be applicable to the matter. Policy wise I could go at the fact its unconstitutional to reference religion of policy and not every American falls within the same belief systems, as every person has their own belief system; god, gods, powerful figures, or none at all. One person’s truth doesn’t apply to everyone else. Which is where the question of value comes in.