Locals Rally for Religious Freedom, Young Woman Represents her Generation
By: Kristin Anderson
Updated: October 20, 2012
At the age of 20, Jessica Ybarra is standing up for what she believes in.
"The best thing about being in America is that we do have the freedom to choose what religion we have and protesting against it in a friendly way," she explained.
Jessica was part of the Stand Up for Religious Freedom rally, a nation-wide event where people in 300 cities peacefully rallied to let politicians know that the HHS mandate is something they're against because they say it goes against their freedom of religion.
"Regardless of your religious beliefs, and whether or not this mandate violates your religious beliefs, you will indeed provide sterilization contraception and abortion services as part of the benefit package, the healthcare package that you provide your employees," said guest speaker Dr. Jim Sulliman.
Jessica is pro-choice. But she says that doesn't mean she discriminates against those who do otherwise, because she knows what it feels like to be in that situation.
"I had my son at a young age, and I had him when I was 18," Jessica explained. "So I understand fully how difficult it is."
But Saturday's rally is not just standing up for one denomination, it's standing up for all the religions in America.
"Every religion. If you can't stand up for what you believe in, and you can't practice in our country, then it's not considered a freedom," said Esmeralda DelaCruz, co-chair for the rally.
Not only does Jessica understand the issue, but she is one of the youngest participants in the crowd. Something that she says is not okay.
"The older people aren't going to be here forever. So, when they're gone, who's left to stand up for our rights? It's the younger people," she said. "So, it's very important for everybody to get involved and just to know what's going on. Not even in religious but just politics and everything else."
Jessica hopes fending for her rights will teach her son to do the same in the future.
"The best thing about being in America is that we do have the freedom to choose what religion we have and protesting against it in a friendly way," she explained.
Jessica was part of the Stand Up for Religious Freedom rally, a nation-wide event where people in 300 cities peacefully rallied to let politicians know that the HHS mandate is something they're against because they say it goes against their freedom of religion.
"Regardless of your religious beliefs, and whether or not this mandate violates your religious beliefs, you will indeed provide sterilization contraception and abortion services as part of the benefit package, the healthcare package that you provide your employees," said guest speaker Dr. Jim Sulliman.
Jessica is pro-choice. But she says that doesn't mean she discriminates against those who do otherwise, because she knows what it feels like to be in that situation.
"I had my son at a young age, and I had him when I was 18," Jessica explained. "So I understand fully how difficult it is."
But Saturday's rally is not just standing up for one denomination, it's standing up for all the religions in America.
"Every religion. If you can't stand up for what you believe in, and you can't practice in our country, then it's not considered a freedom," said Esmeralda DelaCruz, co-chair for the rally.
Not only does Jessica understand the issue, but she is one of the youngest participants in the crowd. Something that she says is not okay.
"The older people aren't going to be here forever. So, when they're gone, who's left to stand up for our rights? It's the younger people," she said. "So, it's very important for everybody to get involved and just to know what's going on. Not even in religious but just politics and everything else."
Jessica hopes fending for her rights will teach her son to do the same in the future.
Comments
Making anyone pay for something they do not believe in is wrong! I agree with Ms. Ybarra, if the younger generations do not start standing up for what we believe then the government will just keep walking on us like cheap rugs with their expensive schoes, shoes we basically pay for. They work for us and if we do not stand up for ourselves and our kids then we deserve what we get. Contentment with the status quo breeds complacency and indifference. Not what our country needs right now!
Debrah D.
October 20, 2012 at 7:56 pm
