I came across an interesting idea. While beginning my research into the case law affirming the rights of gays and same-sex couples I happened across a case in which a doctor objected to passing out contraceptives because he was Catholic. I don't know which way the case went, but it posed an interesting question.
What is the legal standard in applying a moral objection with respect to the free exercise of religion? How does the State recognize one as a Catholic if one claims an objection to compliance with some regulation? Do you have to be a 'good Catholic'? This is a question that is of interest to me personally since I am at odds with the Church I have chosen to be my own. I have come to a number of conclusions and some of these are asserted in some ways as Catholic 'dogma'. I put 'dogma' and 'good Catholic' in quotes because these are terms of art of the religion itself. How does the State recognize or interpret the usage of religious terms with regard to establishing the standing of an individual to claim a conscientious objection?
I see myself offering the following testimony in response to a question - knowing it is an overlong response for a witness.
I understand Catholic values, I was taught in Catholic school. I believe many things for exactly the same reasons Catholics do. My opposition to [objectionable task] employs the same moral logic as the Catholic Church does. I believe this as much as any Catholic. Does the State of California have to register me as a Catholic for my belief to have much meaning to me as you would assume it does to any Catholic?
Isn't that interesting?
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