I was wondering how this was going to play out. Were those critics going to be ok with the changes, declare a victory. See blood in the water and go for more? Looking more like the latter...
This entire episode could have been avoided if not for pandering to a constituency that has no business being in politics to begin with.
People with religious beliefs have no business being in politics? Is that seriously what you just said?
200 years later the separation of church and state still hasn't resonated.
The phrase "separation of church and state" is not in the Constitution, or any legislation. Further, the intended meaning, in the context of its use, was the prevention of the state interfering with the church - not the other way around.
Islam is the fastest growing religion on the planet. At the rate we are allowing our borders to be walked across, extending special offers of amnesty, etc.. how do you think this plays out in another 100 years if we have a large Muslim segment of our populace that wishes to impose it's will politically.
Well, if they can get a large enough majority to get a constitutional amendment approved, and then ratified in a sufficient number of states, then that might be an issue. That's the beauty of a constitutional republic versus a democracy.
Unfortunately, we are setting precedent by making laws regarding matters that a) weren't an issue to start and b) involving the government where it doesn't belong.
So, you can see the impending issue with illegal immigration and spread of Muslim sharia culture, and can envision how it might impact our society in 100 years - but at the same time, you are unable to see how substantial burdens are being placed (or attempted to be placed) on the right of religious exercise across the country, and can't see how enacting an RFRA is necessary?
Also, the RFRA doesn't "involve the government where it doesn't belong." To the contrary, the RFRA constrains where the government may involve itself.
Preemptive laws to address an issue that doesn't exist. Is this addressing the issues that are most concerning the citizens of this state? I suspect that is not the case. The proponents and supporters are the ones being heard... the majority are standing on the sidelines shaking their head in silence.
If your argument is that there were more pressing matters to attend to, I can buy that argument. I believe that the RFRA was needed on its own merits anyway, but at least it's a valid argument.