Personal Opinion

Thanks to my fellow colleague, Taylor Shackleford's comment, I am now going to address the issue of morality being already present in the language in the law. Like Taylor said, morality is already in the law because believing murder is wrong is a personal view which falls under the category of morality. However, to me these seem like the cut and dry examples as to what should be legal and what shouldn't. But, for example the issue of euthanasia, killing a perfectly fine and RESPONSIVE human being simply because they don't "contribute to society" is wrong, but it is those who fall into gray areas such as those who are terminally brain dead, living off a feeding tube, or unresponsive to stimulation that causes much debate. In my opinion like I said earlier, this is more of an ethical issue and one that will never be answered except by leaving it up to an individual person.

The Turning of the Tables

Okay so recently a female model in Malaysia was sentenced to be caned by the government for drinking a beer in a public place. While this is an extreme circumstance and would never be permitted in the United States, let's look at the fundamental principles of this event.
When it's all boiled down, one powerful group of Malaysians is in control of the government, and therefore can impose their views on all of society. This single group could argue the consumption of alcohol is harmful to the body and is a burden on society, and then use this as justification for making consumption of alcohol illegal. However, the rest of society is fully aware of the risks involved with consumption and is willing to be responsible with the amount of which they consume. Instead of making this a criminal offense and condemning those who engage in such acts, which just like teenagers often promotes the behavior, why not educate society and allow them to be informed of your personal beliefs in an attempt to restructure society.
Likewise, Catholics, I being one, tend to have the mentality they need to impose their views on all of society because they are simply wrong and barbaric (abortion being the prime example). Catholics believe life is created at the moment of conception, while scientists have proved it does not begin until the birth process is complete. Because of this Catholic belief, the Pro-Life movement strives to make abortion at any point during the pregnancy illegal. But isn't this a , just like that of the Malaysian government? So, instead of trying to LEGISLATE MORALITY, why not go to the root of the issue and prevent abortion through education and programs to instill family values?

It's all about how you INTERPRET!

According to the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, it is illegal to establish an official religion of the country. The language reads ,"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." In my opinion, the language has been abridged quite a bit when we say that the separation of church and state is found in this amendment. NO! The language says the government shall by no means force one particular religion upon its entire people. It does not say that an optional prayer can be said at graduations or the beginning of a public meeting. After all no one is forcing you to participate are they?!
Okay, back to my topic. There is a difference between an OPTIONAL prayer and a law which FORCES society to abide by the fundamental beliefs of a certain religion or sect.

Wait! don't we already legislate morality?

If morality is a system of ideas of right and wrong conduct, then we, society, do indeed legislate morality. However, the question remains, "Whose morality should be legislated". Technically, morality is already legislated if murder, theft, and battery is illegal. I think people often get confused with what morality encompasses. Instead of saying morality can't be legislated, why don't we say "ethics" can't be legislated, for ethics are more of a set of beliefs for a certain group or sect. For example, Catholic ethics forbid abortion and euthanasia; therefore, instead we should say CATHOLIC ETHICS should not be legislated...

So, What exactly is MORALITY?

According to dictionary.com, MORALITY is defined as:
- The quality of being in accord with standards of right or good conduct or
-Conformity to the rules of right conduct.

Throughout my posts, I intend to explore what morality encompasses and different people's views regarding whether morality should be incorporated in legislative language. Fill free to add any comments to any post you feel would spark conversation or simply just post any thoughts you have.