Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/03/gorsuchs-selective-view-of-religious-freedom/520104/
In this article, Garrett Epps of “The Atlantic” discusses the views held by Neal Gorsuch, Trump’s nominee for the Supreme Court; particularly those beliefs appertaining to religious freedom. Epps discusses Gorsuch’s views on the recent Hobby Lobby case, wherein the crafts store fought against the ACA’s amendment requiring employers to provide insurance for medically approved forms of birth control. The owners of Hobby Lobby resisted, claiming that their religious beliefs were being violated. Gorsuch, as it is revealed, agreed with Hobby Lobby, writing: “All of us face the problem of complicity. All of us must answer for ourselves whether and to what degree we are willing to be involved in the wrongdoing of others. For some, religion provides an essential source of guidance both about what constitutes wrongful conduct and the degree to which those who assist others in committing wrongful conduct themselves bear moral culpability. The Greens [owners of Hobby Lobby Stores] are among those who seek guidance from their faith on these questions.” This, Epps argues, is a dangerous opinion to have, because it infringes on the same religious freedom rights of the employees being discriminated against. Epps also mentions the proposed First Amendment Defense Act, which would protect employers from any repercussion for discriminating against LGBT individuals, as their right to observe a religion which condemns such individuals is protected by the Act. Epps expresses concern that Gorsuch, if elected, will maintain such narrow and selective views of religious freedom during his time on the Supreme Court.