Protect religious freedom

Regarding the timely Opinion page article ``Protecting Children and Religious Freedom,'' Nov. 3, urging us to contact our elected officials: The author writes, ``the legislature must pass a child-abuse law that ... does not impugn the lives of our Christian Scientist friends and neighbors.'' I did get busy, and I hope the author will be listened to by those elected to protect the very freedom on which America was founded. Helen Casner Walsh, Springfield, Ore.

[Editor's note: The subject of the Nov. 3 article was a Massachusetts child-abuse bill that includes stiff penalties and eliminates protection from prosecution for people who choose spiritual treatment for their children. The measure has passed both branches of the legislature and awaits the governor's consideration.]

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