By John Brunner, Republican Candidate for Governor of Missouri
Should a rabbi be arrested and prosecuted for his faith?
Should the owner of a kosher deli be arrested and prosecuted because he is an orthodox Jew?
Should a baker be arrested and prosecuted because of her Christian faith?
Should a photographer be arrested and prosecuted because he is a Muslim?
Should Americans be discriminated, persecuted, arrested and prosecuted for their faith?
That is the crux of the issue in Senate Joint Resolution 39—Defense of the 1st Amendment—the free exercise of religion. This is a proposal to the people to vote for or against the protection of religious leaders and those of strong religious beliefs.
Tolerance is despicably absent among those who would promote the power of the state in their discrimination of those of faith. We can recall the vicious swelling tide of anti-Semitism and the persecution that prevailed in the course of world events. May it never happen in America.
Already we have witnessed the ugly head of discrimination, against those of faith, has found its way into the courts of our country. Already lives have been destroyed. Property has been confiscated.
One group of citizens should never be given the exclusive right of force against any other citizen to violate their religious faith. No one has an exclusive claim of the power of the state to deprive others of their right of conscience.
All of those of faith are at risk. I call upon all Missourians to insure that vicious persecution against those of faith never happens in our state.
May we return to a spirit of accommodation, not discrimination. May we begin again to respect our differences—to live and let live.
The freedom to exercise the defense of our First Amendment rights, our protection of religious freedom is the right of all citizens. Our Missouri legislature had the opportunity to consent to the will of the citizens of our great state, to exercise their vote. But the voice of the people was vetoed.
It all comes down to leadership. As your next Governor I will always uphold the will of the people. We need a Governor that has the character, competence, and courage to stand with liberty. With the vote of the people, I’ll take that stand!
“We The People” can restore our freedoms—this very next election.
