Question

Ethically critique the ability of corporations to assert religious rights?

Answer 1

Q: Ethically critique the ability of corporations to assert religious rights?

A: Corporations are separate legal entities as far as debt liability and for all taxation purposes. However, corporations remain separate and independent for all thereoretical and academic purposes. They are not living entities in the real or practical sense of life and should not be allowed to assert their religious rights. Owners/shareholders may enjoy control over a corporation but they cannot become the corporation, the owners cannot become larger than the corporation and must remain separate entities. It is also important that corporations must remain independent and free from religion so that an environment of cultural diversity can be cultivated and sustained which can make it a rich place to work with diverse ideas and practices which is very healthy for the long-term growth and development of an organisation. Enforcing religion or religious practices on corporations kill enterprise and diversity and in the end the organisation suffers. So, it is not at all ethical for organisations to assert religious rights and enforce religion on to its employees. Besides, religion is a very sensitive and private matter which should not be thrust or coerced onto employees directly or indirectly as it becomes a violation of the freedoms and rights of the employees. Further, the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution grants and guarantees the religious rights and freedoms of the peoples of the country. Corporations were trying to undermine the religious rights of citizens and deprive them access to the services as contemplated under the Affordable Care Act through various cases like Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood (Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby Stores and Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp. v. Sebelius). However, this stand taken by corporations is dangerous, erroneous, and ethical, and must be vacated and reversed by the U.S. Supreme Court in all long term interests of equity, freedoms, and justice.