This week, by unanimous consent, the Senate approved a Sen. Ben Sasse resolution that declares it is unconstitutional to reject nominees because of their membership to the Knights of Columbus. This move was instigated by Democratic senators Kamala Harris and Mazie Hirono criticizing President Trump’s nominee for the District Court of Nebraska, Brian Buescher, for being a bit too Catholic for their liking. Membership in the Knight of Columbus, a benevolent society that still clings to antiquated notions about the dignity of human life—from very beginning to the very end—doesn’t exactly adhere to the new progressive moral canon.
Unlike many friends on the Right, I’m less offended by questions regarding dogma and belief. It’s true, that the No Religious Test Clause of Constitution explicitly states that federal government officeholder or employee can’t be required to adhere to or accept any particular religion or doctrine as a prerequisite to holding a federal office or jobs. But it’s also true that the clause directly preceding it requires every federal and state official to take an oath to support the Constitution. Rejecting someone over their faith alone is unquestionably a religious test. Merely asking a nominee whether their beliefs might stop them from fulfilling their Constitutional duties is a relevant question.
http://thefederalist.com/2019/01/17/democrats-holy-war-catholicism-orthodoxy/
Unlike many friends on the Right, I’m less offended by questions regarding dogma and belief. It’s true, that the No Religious Test Clause of Constitution explicitly states that federal government officeholder or employee can’t be required to adhere to or accept any particular religion or doctrine as a prerequisite to holding a federal office or jobs. But it’s also true that the clause directly preceding it requires every federal and state official to take an oath to support the Constitution. Rejecting someone over their faith alone is unquestionably a religious test. Merely asking a nominee whether their beliefs might stop them from fulfilling their Constitutional duties is a relevant question.
http://thefederalist.com/2019/01/17/democrats-holy-war-catholicism-orthodoxy/
