NOW's 'Dirty' is No. 1 on my list of ridiculous things

(Page 2 of 2)
Whatever marketing genius thought up this idea for a “dirty” list for NOW should be fired! Are these types of radical groups even relevant to most women?

On June 30, the Supreme Court ruled that some corporations do in fact have religious rights. A divided court ruled 5-4, along ideological lines, that certain for-profit companies cannot be required to pay for specific types of contraceptives for their employees.

Justice Anthony Kennedy noted that the government can pay for this coverage if it wants to make it available, but cannot force a company to do so. I couldn’t agree more. This is a country of religious liberty.

Look, everyone will have their own views on this topic, and I understand that it is sensitive. But faith should not fear big-government punishment in the same way that corporations should not fear the wrath of NOW.

Today, Little Sisters of the Poor operates 200 homes in more than 30 countries, including a few on Long Island and in Queens, and provides care for more than 13,000 elderly people. It is outrageous for NOW to characterize a wonderful religious and charitable group, which is dedicated to serving the less fortunate, in such a contemptible way.

The acts of NOW are truly repulsive, and the organization’s leaders should be ashamed. Attacking nuns? You can’t make this stuff up.

I understand that there are fanatics on both sides of this argument, but NOW should have respect for religion. The Little Sisters of the Poor is a wonderful organization that provides care to those who would otherwise be a burden on society. They deserve enough social justice for others to understand that they do not believe in birth control and will not provide it to their employees.

If the National Organization for Women had any class, it would understand that there is a difference between fighting for a principle and being extremist.

Al D’Amato, a former U.S. senator from New York, is the founder of Park Strategies LLC, a public policy and business development firm. Comments about this column? ADAmato@liherald.com.

Page 2 / 2