Gregory Maturi

In the following viewpoint, Gregory Maturi argues that governments can and should legislate morality. Those who believe that morality should not be legislated often claim that doing so involves governmental imposition of religious beliefs on society. However, Maturi explains, public morality is actually defined by commonly shared principles about acceptable public behavior, not by any particular religion. While it may be difficult to establish public consensus on controversial issues such as abortion or suicide, reasoned argument on these issues can help guide and construct law. Thus, the government provides a means through which people of differing opinions debate and legislate morality. Maturi, a Catholic priest, is the associate director of the Catholic Center at New York University.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What is the difference between religion and public morality, according to Maturi?
2. According...