A nurse holds a vial of COVID-19 vaccine and syringe. A bill in the Alabama Legislature would allow parents to declare their children religiously exempt from vaccination without needing to provide a reason or justification. (Getty Images)
We reap bitter fruit when lawmakers cross-pollinate religion and law.
It’s not just a question of elevating one belief over others. The law at its best gives fair treatment to competing interests and keeps them on the same path through the world. When one version of what lies beyond this reality gets into the law, the people clinging to that vision enjoy a privilege over any other need or desire in the broader community…