The argument that religious groups have the right to dictate social mores in order to protect their religious freedom is hollow and in fact turns the whole concept of religious liberty on its head. To say that any particular religion's duty to its own higher power takes precedence over the claims of society as a whole negates the freedom of all religions.

No one denies that churches and other charitable institutions provide many worthwhile services. That is why they are tax exempt.

But legal rules to safeguard civic equality — such as civil marriage for gay and lesbians, or a range of reproductive health-care options for pregnant women — aren't "forcing religious people to act against their consciences." It is simply insisting that they comply with the law.

Ingrid Krause, Baltimore