Other people's freedom

Ever since the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services decided to require that health-insurance plans cover
contraception, many Catholics and evangelicals have protested that the mandate violates their religious
freedom: it forces them to pay for procedures that go against their beliefs.

Conflicts between laws and religious beliefs come up regularly.
In October the Supreme Court heard arguments on whether religious
organizations are subject to antidiscrimination laws when they hire and fire
ministers. State legislatures recognizing same-sex marriage have debated
protections for adoption agencies and wedding photographers.

Where should religious progressives stand on such
questions? I'd argue that they should support significant accommodations for
religious beliefs--even those with which they disagree. Let me offer three
reasons.