As a republic, citizens elect individuals to Congress, the Legislature and other elective offices to act in the best interests of the public. For those elected to office, that means that they are charged with voting on behalf of their constituents even when doing so goes against their own personal beliefs.
When a new Montana state legislator enters the office they must swear “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect and defend the constitution of the United States, and the constitution of the state of Montana, and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity (so help me God).” Oaths taken in other states are similar.
It appears to me that more and more legislators are abandoning or selectively interpreting the U.S. Constitution as it is written and interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court in their quest to have their religious beliefs imposed on those who believe differently. It is important to remember that both the federal and Montana Constitutions prohibit enactment of religious laws.
