Jewish Community: Diverse Religious Perspectives Had Little Impact on Abortion Vote – WISH-TV | Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather forecast

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The passing of SB1 has sparked celebrations and disappointment. Members of the Jewish and Muslim community are among those pushing back, as they say the decision did not consider other religious perspectives.

Jewish leaders say even the introduction of the legislation in July was a disappointment in itself, because one of the things that makes America great, they say, is the ability for people to practice their religion freely . The addition of this ruling plays against that, the executives said.

Although Indiana legislatures have passed new abortion restrictions, the abortion rights debate is not over yet.

“[It] Does not align with Jewish beliefs,” said Jewish Community Relations Council executive director Jacob Markey. “In fact, we saw it as an attack on religion and the state.”

Markey says they have been disappointed since the legislation was first introduced. In a statement posted on social media, the JCRC, in part, said the general assembly failed to take into account the religious perspectives of the Jewish community, as well as the strong opinions of a majority of Hoosiers.

“That’s what makes America so great. Anyone can freely practice our religion,” Markey said.

Adding the legislation is inconsistent with Jewish beliefs, which say a fetus is part of the mother – not an independent human being. But Markey says religion aside, that’s not how democracy works.

State Senator Fady Qaddoura is one of many lawmakers to vote against the measure.

“The conversation was fueled by the religious views of the minority of lawmakers. And my understanding of how democracy works is that we were not elected to be religious leaders, we were elected to be representatives of the people,” Qaddora said.

Qaddora shared his disappointment that the general assembly is coming up with a bill which he said was reasoned and crafted with the standards of one faith, while ignoring different religions and those who do not practice religion.

“From my perspective, [it] violates our United States Constitution,” Qaddoura said.

Qaddora added that since we are a multi-faceted community, discussion of choice should have been limited to women, their doctors and, if they wish, their religious leaders as well.

Qaddoura and Markey say the ruling is still new, but expect to see new legislation introduced soon to address the issues and give choice back to Hoosier women.