Although religious values hold strong for many Americans and politicians, religion is dangerously trending toward having a prominent seat at the political table. President-elect Donald Trump strategically used religious principles throughout his campaign, raising concerns surrounding the separation of church and state and religious inclusivity.
Religious beliefs have long played a part in politics, but not in the same way that they do today. According to the Center for American Progress, the Civil Rights Movement was largely Christian-led. The report explains that, “the church represented the freedom that the movement participants sought. It was a facility in the community beyond the control of the white power structure. It was a place where people could express themselves without reprisal. It was a place where people could speak the truth, where they could sing and even shout.”
In this context, religious faith was the fuel that allowed for such a movement to prosper. However, the large power that Christianity played in the Civil Rights Movement was arguably due to its size, not necessarily its specific beliefs. The heart of the movement involved beliefs in justice, compassion and love — which are the basis for many religions.
These beliefs, whether based in religious faith or personal morals, are inherently good. The issue arises when specific religious beliefs are prioritized over others in terms of creating policy and promoting rhetoric — and that is exactly what Trump did on the campaign trail.
According to the New York Times, “In his final campaign events with conservative Christian activists and politicians, Mr. Trump is promising to elevate not only their policy priorities but also their ideological influence. He says he will affirm that God made only two genders, male and female. He will create a federal task force to fight anti-Christian bias. And he will give enhanced access to conservative Christian leaders, if they elect him.”
Trump’s prioritization of one specific religious perspective ignores the millions of Americans who don’t observe Christianity and poses serious threats to keeping church and state separate. Specifically, his notion that “God made only two genders” is already a part of his planned policy agenda.
GLAAD Media Institute outlined Trump’s plans regarding LGBTQIA+ issues, including calling on Congress to create a federal law establishing male and female — specifically assigned at birth — as the only two genders recognized by the government.
Trump also outlined his plans for the future of the U.S. education system in a video, with one point being to restore prayer in schools. An updated guidance on prayer in public schools was made by the Department of Education in 2023, essentially stating that mandated prayer violates the First Amendment — but regulating private prayer is also a violation. Because the basis lies in the First Amendment, Trump would likely fail to mandate prayer in schools, but the idea displays his desire for crossover.
Although religion has the power to spark change, it should not be used as a political weapon to prioritize one set of beliefs over another. Aspects of Trump’s policy agenda such as beliefs on gender ideology and prayer in schools are directly centered in his own religious beliefs.
Freedom of religion is a privilege which should not be taken for granted — and that includes not imposing individual beliefs on others, especially through federal law. The strength of a democracy lies in diverse perspectives, not religious dominance.
Layne Rey is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Layne know by tweeting her @laynerey12.
