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Religious Freedom or License to Discriminate?

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Does the Religious Freedom Restoration Act protect religious expression, or allow people to discriminate against certain groups?

West Virginia’s legislature is debating the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Supporters say it gives people a defense they can use in court if they opt out of objectionable activities.

Opponents say the act could lead to discrimination against gays, lesbians, Muslims and others.

On The Front Porch podcast, we debate RFRA, and what it may mean for West Virginians, including:

1. Would RFRA mean a pharmacist could legally refuse to fill a prescription for contraceptives?

2. What does RFRA mean for West Virginia’s “protected classes” – race, religion, sex, political belief, and age?

3. Does RFRA make discrimination more likely against groups not protected under state law – such as gays, lesbians, and transgendered people?

Subscribe to “The Front Porch” podcast on iTunes or however you listen to podcasts.

An edited version of “The Front Porch” airs Fridays at 4:50 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s radio network, and the full version is available above.

Share your opinions with us about these issues, and let us know what you’d like us to discuss in the future. Send a tweet to @radiofinn or @wvpublicnews, or e-mail Scott at sfinn @ wvpublic.org

The Front Porch is underwritten by The Charleston Gazette Mail, providing both sides of the story on its two editorial pages. Check it out: http://www.wvgazettemail.com/