Lawmakers use Chipotle to justify freedom of religion

Between GIF-filled listicles and Chipotle references, the GOP really wants to get on millennials' level.

In an op-ed in The Washington Examiner, Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Rep. Randy Forbes (R-Va.) argue that because Chipotle has the freedom to remove pork from its menu, businesses should also be allowed to make religion-based decisions.

Chipotle removed pork from the menu at many of its locations, because one of its suppliers allegedly violated the company's standards for animal welfare. Lankford and Forbes argue that the principle that allowed Chipotle to change its offerings is the same freedom that would allow businesses to act on religious beliefs. The op-ed notes that it is "wonderful" that business owners can "structure that business in a way that reflects their personal beliefs and values."

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"It is crucial that the same freedom of conscience enjoyed by the leadership of Chipotle remain equally available to business owners of faith," Lankford and Forbes wrote. "Indeed, much more so, as freedom of religion is explicitly protected by the First Amendment. We cannot simultaneously laud the leaders of a business motivated by a commitment to environmental sustainability and discriminate against the leaders of a business motivated by religious belief."

Lankford and Forbes don't mention specific issues they believe should be protected, but some believe their argument refers to businesses being able to oppose serving same-sex customers. As for Chipotle's part, spokesperson Chris Arnold told The Huffington Post that "it's a pretty ridiculous comparison," adding that Chipotle's decision not to serve pork "isn't discriminating against any customers or group of customers."