Michael Brown, Springfield

There is religious irony at work in the world.

On June 30, our Supreme Court, in a 5-4 vote along ideological lines, declared that corporations with certain religious views can deny female individuals contraceptive insurance. Those who favor this decision claim that it is a vote for religious freedom.

Then on July 1, the supreme court in France declared that denying certain religious groups the right to wear face coverings is legal for the greater good of the country. This, despite the fact that it impinges on religious freedom.

The Francophobes in America may decry this decision merely because it is French, but the decision seems to say that France will not allow belief to trump fact when it comes to the common good.

Those who believe that contraceptive health care is not a part of the common good in the United States generally hold this belief because of religious leanings. And I say we should grant them the religious freedom they so obviously desire.

Let's take government intervention entirely away from religion, because our Constitution even warns that we should have no congressional support for religion. And what could be more supportive than tax abatement?

I suggest that we remove religious groups from the rolls of those who enjoy a tax-free status. Let all religions henceforth pay their fair share of income, sales and property taxes just as individuals do.

Let's set religion completely free! Amen.