While respecting everyone's right to practice their religion freely, I firmly believe in the separation of church and state as a cornerstone of our democracy. I value the pluralistic nature of our society and believe government decisions should be based on secular laws that encompass all citizens, irrespective of faith or lack thereof. Additionally, I believe that everyone should have access to comprehensive reproductive health care including birth control and safe, legal abortion — this is a matter of personal freedom and public health, not religious dogma.