Over 100 Rally for Religious Freedom in Charlotte
Posted by Brice Griffin (June 15, 2012 at 8:00 am)
Over 100 concerned citizens gathered in protest in Charlotte on Friday, June 8, showing concern over the Obama administration’s HHS mandate.
Attendees showed support in applause when guest speaker Cindy Brown, Vice Chair of Feminists for Life, exclaimed that the so-called “war on women” is “categorically absurd!” And cheered when she explained that the “right to free exercise of religion is a fundamental right of all people, not a privilege granted by any government.”
The momentum built when Dr. Matt Harrison, from Northgate Family Practice, was introduced. Dr. Harrison’s practice does NOT prescribe birth control, nor does he prescribe Viagra outside of marriage. If an abortion-minded woman chooses life for her child, he will provide prenatal and delivery care free of charge. He summed up his position by saying, “The government wants me to be a gumball machine. Put in your premium and get a gumball!”
Father John Eckert, from Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro, gave a very hopeful message, pointing out that Christians have often had to stand up for their beliefs despite obstacles and persecutions before, yet Christianity remains standing firm. What worries him is that “the effort to push religion out of the public sphere will harm our democracy. As Christians, we want future generations to have the same freedoms that past generations have fought to protect.”
Tami Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the NC Values Coalition, closed the rally with a bang. She posed some excellent points. “Health care reform should NEVER take away religious freedom,” adding that “if the mandate stands, religious employers who do not comply with it will be forced to pay hefty fines. Essentially, they will have to pay to exercise their beliefs.”
Even more profoundly, she asked, “Why isn’t the government partnering with faith-based health care providers–which have been running hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and more, FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS–instead of partnering with organizations like Planned Parenthood?”
Rally-goers made it clear that they will STAND UP for their RELIGIOUS FREEDOM!