I reluctantly support right-to-work legislation

Proposed Indiana right-to-work legislation would eliminate requirements that nonunion employees pay fees to unions. I have opposed the legislation because low-salaried employees would be tempted to disaffiliate in order to save their share of union costs.

Indiana's Catholic bishops point to employee conscience issues, noting that unions may "use their resources to support politicians or political parties that clearly devalue the sanctity of human life or the institution of marriage." President Barack Obama and the Democratic Party come to mind (despite many pro-life Democrats, like myself, at the grassroots level). Against the consciences of some employees, the required fees enable parents to turn violently and tragically against their own children.

If the Democratic Party stopped defending abortion or Indiana unions stopped supporting that party, I would oppose right-to-work laws. Until one of these happens, I reluctantly support the legislation.

- Richard Stith, Valparaiso