Arizona GOP lawmaker lashes out at 'god-haters' who criticized abortion ban prayer

Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on Apr 11, 2024

https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/arizona-gop-lawmaker-lashes-out-at

In a recent ruling by the Arizona State Supreme Court, the state reverted to a Civil War-era law banning almost all abortions except in cases where the mother's life is at risk. This decision has ignited controversy, particularly due to the involvement of certain state senators who held a prayer circle, speaking in tongues on the Senate floor. This religious intrusion into government affairs has sparked outrage, with critics like Helen and Jason expressing frustration over the use of religious beliefs to shape policy, especially regarding women's reproductive rights.

Senator Anthony Kern's leadership in the prayer circle has drawn criticism, particularly his labeling of dissenters as "God haters." This rhetoric echoes sentiments of persecution, deflecting from the real issue at hand: the erosion of reproductive rights and the intertwining of religion with governance. Infidel and Helen have raised concerns about the implications of such rhetoric, fearing its potential consequences for marginalized groups, including LGBTQ individuals.

The decision to uphold such restrictive laws and the rhetoric used to defend them highlight deeper issues within the political landscape, where personal beliefs are wielded as tools of control. Infidel emphasizes the historical context, likening the situation to pre-Civil War ideologies, while Helen underscores the dangerous precedent of mixing religion with lawmaking. In the face of these challenges, there's a call to action for the current generation to push back against regressive policies and uphold the principles of democracy and secular governance.

The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.16.4 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Infidel64, Jason Friedman and Helen Greene