In addition to worshipping the Second Amendment, the Christian right are now huge supporters of the First Amendment's freedom of religion thing as it pertains to their opposition to the ACA's birth control mandate. Freedom of speech was frequently invoked in the recent Fox abetted controversy over objections, by the Muslim community, to a film critical of Islam and the awarding of a Brandeis honorary degree to an anti-Islamic activist. But now that First Amendment rights have been utilized by atheists, Fox & Friends' Elisabeth Hasselbeck is asking if this right should be suspended during religious holidays. LOL, her predecessor, Gretchen Carlson once said that she supports freedom of speech, except at Christmas. The more things change....

As part of the patented "Fight for Faith" series, Elisabeth Hasselbeck reported that "to celebrate Easter, a Christian women's group" erected a display with a Christian cross and informational brochures in the Wisconsin capitol building. But nasty atheists, from the evil "Freedom From Religion Foundation," then put up a sign, across from the Christian women, that says "nobody died for our sins, Jesus Christ is a myth." Hasselbeck asked, "when it comes to religious holidays, should atheists have equal opportunity?" She introduced her guest, Wisconsin director of Concerned Women, Kim Simac for America which is far more than a "Christian women's group." It's a virulently anti-gay, anti-choice, right wing group which employs folks who say that youth support for gay rights shows their "ignorance" among lots of other fun stuff. Hasselbeck didn't mention that the display has anti-choice material titled "equal rights for the born and pre-born."

Hasselbeck asked Simac her reaction to the nasty atheists. Simac acknowledged that the state rotunda is a place for free speech and that her group got a permit to honor "the most important man who ever lived, Jesus Christ." (What, it's not Ronald Reagan?) Hasselbeck asked if the right to free speech would include the atheist's right to erect their sign. Simac answered in the affirmative because we have freedom of religion, "not freedom from religion and atheism is their religion and I honor that for them..." She expressed the hope that the atheists would honor and respect Easter, "the most wonderful event in our life." The chyron reinforced the trademark Fox "battle" imagery: "Fighting for Faith, CWA Put Up Easter Display in WI Capitol."

Hasselbeck said that this is an important week for Christians and Jews and that Simac "brought up an important word, respect because it's a right, it could still be wrong when it comes to just being civil." Simac complained about how the atheists preach, but don't practice, tolerance. She claimed that their press release seems like "an attack on women, the cross" and "it's just not necessary." She wished the atheists well and hoped that folks would stop by the CWA display.

Hasselbeck promoted a right wing talking point in the form of a question: "Do you see this as promoting atheism or an attack on Christianity, so to speak. Should the government's role be also to protect the religious freedom of religion whatever that may be [WTF?] and prevent these kinds of attacks in the minds of many." (Uh, Elisabeth, check out the "no establishment" clause of that First Amendment that you Christians love when it comes to Hobby Lobby and those slut pills.) Simac didn't agree. Hasselbeck looked distressed when Simac said that both her group and the atheists have a right to erect displays.

Looks like Fox might have lost this skirmish in the war on Easter?