A religious test?

last updated 8 January 2015

What happened

Mitt Romney’s recent speech addressing questions about his Mormon faith ignited fresh debate about whether it is appropriate to ask presidential candidates about their religious beliefs.

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First of all, Romney “did describe and explain his religion,” said Michael McGough in the Los Angeles Times (free registration). He said that as a Mormon he believes "that Jesus Christ is the son of God and the savior of mankind." What’s more, he’s just plain “wrong” when he says asking about a candidate’s beliefs during a campaign amounts to an actual, unconstitutuional religious test. Besides, everyone is entitled to would withhold their vote from someone whose religion they think would inspire them to pursue “bizarre” policies.

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