[[I think the free speech issues are very legitimate and they buttress the even more powerful]]
I did say the other issues ‘have nothing to do with the case’, and that was a mistake on my part- poor statement on my part- I should have been more careful in my ‘argument’- Perhaps the free speech is more powerful- I’m no lawyer- but I can see the counter argument to the ‘free expression’ or ‘artistic expression’ Being hate speech which ‘violates rights’- and think that the other side might have more leverage if that line is solely taken
[[Please note, if the baker loses then the free exercise clause of the US constitution has been eliminated.]]
Exactly- I’m not suggesting that these other issue not be brought up, but I think, as a lay person, that the free excersize issue is vitally important to the case- the other issues have the counter arguments of ‘hate speech’ as you mentioned- I think the case might hinge on how far into religion government can intrude- for instance, it’s against the law to murder people, or rape people but if a religion rose up that required it’s members to murder and/or rape people, then obviously that religion would be violating the law that applies to everyone-
No, I agree that the free exercise argument is the most on point but I believe the free speech is also relevant and strengthens the free exercise argument. It shows that in many instances, as here, free speech and freedom to exercise one's religion are very intertwined. Perhaps that's why they are in the same amendment.