Will Grigg?s Liberty Minute

February 24, 2011

Speaking at a time when English Catholics and Protestants were killing each other, Queen Elizabeth I said: ?I have no desire to open windows into men?s souls.? Government has no jurisdiction over the convictions of any human being.

Somebody needs to explain this principle to Tennessee State Senator Bill Ketron, who has proposed a measure making it a felony to follow Sharia law. This wouldn?t merely forbid government from institutionalizing the Islamic code; it would target private beliefs and institutions, and allow the state attorney general to designate ?Sharia organizations? as criminal enterprises.

Ketron insists that the measure wouldn?t infringe on the religious freedom of Muslims who practice their religion peacefully. But it would authorize the government to determine which private beliefs and voluntary practices are suitable. It?s worth noting as well that the bill was drafted by an activistwho has called for criminalizing belief in, and the practice of, Islam entirely.

Whatever creed they profess, those who presume to make windows into men?s souls are promoting totalitarianism in practice.

Let us take back the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.