Educating for Democracy: Is the US moving toward a theocracy
Given the positive developments over the last few decades involving the expansion of women's rights and gay rights, it is alarming to witness "legalized intolerance" exemplified through the recently adopted "religious freedom" bill in Georgia. The bill was intended to "protect" businesses from legal liability for refusing to provide goods and services. to members of the LGBT community as a violation of "religious convictions." It is a warning sign that people in a democratic society should heed. A term like "religious convictions" can become a way of rescinding the hard-fought freedoms that are finally being enjoyed by millions of Americans. We should recall that most educators, at least in principle, believe it is vital for children to understand and practice "tolerance" of people who are different from themselves. This ideal has been traditionally stressed in public schools.
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