Religious Liberty in Medical Examinations
In the closing hours of the recent session of Congress, the days for holding the legal examinations for the admission of persons to the practise of medicine in the District of Columbia, which had been fixed by law for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, were changed by act of Congress to Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. This was done at the solicitation of, and in consideration for, the Seventh-day Adventists, who have conscientious scruples against taking the examination on Saturday, the day which they religiously observe, and who, owing to the inflexibility of the provision of law fixing the days for the examinations, have heretofore been practically debarred from admission to the practise of medicine in the District of Columbia. This has been somewhat of an inconvenience to them since locating their headquarters in the District, for the treatment of the sick and the operation of sanitariums for that purpose is one of their principal lines of work. While in this country the political authority should extend no deference or special consideration whatever to theological dogmas or to religious believers as such, such a recognition of, and consideration for, the conscientious scruples of citizens as the above is of course proper so long as it is not in any degree a recognition of, or concession to, theological dogmas and beliefs as such. The convenience and conscientious scruples of citizens can be taken into account by the legislator, but their theological beliefs and practices as such, never. Otherwise the question in this instance is merely one as to the convenience and interests of all concerned, the convenience and interests of all concerned or of the public at large always taking precedence over that of any section or class of citizens. Undoubtedly the change in this instance is perfectly compatible with the rights and interests of all concerned. But yet, nevertheless, the legislation has the aspect of special legislation for a religious class, and as such, closely shaves the principle of separation of Church and State.