Marco Rubio’s hunt for “anti-Christian bias” is creeping theocracy

Opinion: Marco Rubio’s Pursuit of “Anti-Christian Bias” is Moving Towards Theocracy
In a new crackdown on government employees, the State Department instructs its workers to report individuals displaying Pride flags.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has often been seen as submissive, particularly in the presence of his superior, Donald Trump, leading many to believe that he reluctantly supports the authoritarian policies of the White House. Before aligning with the MAGA movement, Rubio positioned himself as a critic of the oppressive tactics endorsed by Trump. He even falsely claimed that his family fled Cuba to escape Fidel Castro’s regime, finding refuge in the US. While this narrative is inspiring to some, it is untrue as they immigrated before Castro came to power. Despite this, some hope that Rubio recognizes the wrongness of his involvement in Trump’s authoritarian schemes.

Regardless of Rubio’s true intentions, it is evident that he is promoting aggressive measures that undermine First Amendment rights, including free speech and religious freedom. Recently, a leaked memo signed by Rubio revealed his authority to deport legal immigrants based on their beliefs, statements, or associations, even if they are lawful. Rubio has advocated for the detention of legal residents for exercising their right to free speech and has targeted hundreds of international students for visa revocation simply due to their differing political views from Trump.

State Department employees are now experiencing the effects of Rubio’s abandonment of the democratic values he once praised. A recent report by Politico disclosed that Rubio urged State employees to report colleagues accused of “anti-Christian bias.” However, this directive seems baseless, as anti-Christian bias is not prevalent in the US, where a majority of the population identifies as Christian. The real motive behind this order appears to be providing Christian nationalists in the agency with a means to intimidate and eliminate individuals who do not share their extremist beliefs.

Rubio’s call for reporting instances of “opposing displays of flags, banners, or paraphernalia” during President Biden’s administration reflects his intent to suppress dissenting voices. Under this policy, bigoted employees can retaliate against those advocating for inclusivity and diversity, creating a hostile work environment. The anonymity offered to informants further exacerbates the situation, allowing individuals to target their coworkers without accountability.

While the State Department’s informant program may not gain traction, it aligns with the broader fascist agenda of the Trump administration to persecute those who do not conform to their narrow definition of “Christian.” This strategy, rooted in fear and discrimination, stands in stark contrast to the teachings of Jesus Christ, promoting love and acceptance of others.

By Amanda Marcotte