NEW: Hundreds Rally for Religious Freedom

Email to a friend Permalink

Friday, June 08, 2012

Ashley Klann, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Hundreds gathered at City Hall to protest the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Mandate of Obamacare, which that they say will crush religious freedoms.

Protestors of the mandate carried anti-abortion signs and rosaries as local priests and activists spoke about the dangers of this government action. The group, Stand Up for Religious Freedom was behind the organized protest in conjunction with their nationwide day of awareness.

“Obama has been eroding freedoms, and this will be a major erosion,” said Vietnam Veteran and Worcester resident, Phil Trimby. “I didn’t serve my country to lose our freedoms.”

The way Trimby and any others at the rally see it, abortion, contraceptives and other measures that would be protected by the mandate are being presented in a false light. 

“They’re making abortion out to be an issue of women’s health.  Planned Parenthood is a huge supporter of this, and the government funds Planned Parenthood. Women are being taken advantage of in this situation,” he said.

Religious Rights

The HHS Mandate, according to those at the rally would greatly inhibit their religious rights, forcing them to support something that they are fundamentally not in favor of.

“This isn’t just about the Catholic church,” Trimby said. “They’re trying to force people who spiritually believe in not supporting birth control, to practice this.”

Taxes and Businesses

Also on the docket at the rally were the issues of taxation and businesses – two more issues that were raised by the mandate. Speakers discussed the implications the HSS Mandate would have on Catholic businesses like hospitals and schools. They believe Obamacare overcomplicates health care with red tape and threatens their privacy.

Reverend Richard Reidy of St. Ann’s Parish in North Oxford, who was among the rally’s four speakers used the Biblical example of the Good Samaritan.

“The story of the Good Samaritan was to say that we are not all of the same denomination. Serving those in need is essential. Faith without works is dead,” he said. “There is an exemption for parishes, but organizations that help those not exclusively of the Catholic faith – schools, hospitals – will not be protected.”

The Reverend called on those present to pray for government and leaders.

“Under this mandate, compelled under threat of heavy fines, we will be forced to violate their own ideologies. The federal government will fund contraception even if religious teachings disagree,” Reidy said. “We are on dangerous ground.”

Related Articles

• NEW: Carpenter Union Protests Outside New Telegram Building
• Worcester County Tea Party Rallies Against Government Spending
• Trayvon Martin Could Have Been David Russo in Worcester
• Protest at City Hall Challenges Racial Profiling and Accountability

Enjoy this post? Share it with others.

Email to a friend Permalink