Today the 5th Circuit Court ruled that it’s legal to sacrifice a goat for religious purposes. My first reaction was horror and disgust. “Of course, that’s wrong!”

But, as I thought more about it, my feelings became less clear. On a personal level, killing a sentient creature is wrong. That’s not confusing for me. But on a public level, can I hold the same position?

It would be easy to say that Santeria is evil and shouldn’t be allowed. But if we start attacking religions because we think their practices are immoral, where do we stop? I think that’s a slippery slope best not started down.

So I guess the issue comes back to where it does so often, freedom doesn’t just apply to things you like. Not always an easy lesson but an important one.

What do you think? Good decision or a bad one?