Letter: State not consistent on religious exemptions in laws

I was saddened to see Arlene’s Flowers in the news again (“State Supreme Court to hear Arlene’s Flowers case,” TCH, March 4).

Go ahead and believe in any magical gods and fairies you want, but don’t try to inflict your religion on Washington citizens, the majority of which don’t go to your church.

But it occurred to me that maybe I’m being unfair to Stutzman. In Washington, we do have other religious exemptions in our laws.

Take for example RCW 9A.42.005, which pertains to Christian Scientists denying lifesaving medical care to their family. The law still stands today.

The RCW says “A person who, in good faith, is furnished Christian Science treatment by a duly accredited Christian Science practitioner in lieu of medical care is not considered deprived of medically necessary health care.”

At least denying someone flowers for religious reasons is not going to lead to death.

I guess if I were Stutzman, I’d be upset that the state is not being consistent. Why do Christian Scientists get to deny health care to family and better yet, pray for them and write off the prayer as a medical expense (See IRS publication 502)?

Maybe I should reevaluate this religion thing.

Good luck Arlene!

This story was originally published March 20, 2016 at 9:12 PM with the headline "Letter: State not consistent on religious exemptions in laws."