This week’s STOP THE ACLU Blogburst is a free-for-all on what we dislike most about the ACLU. I thought I’d take a second glance at some rather interesting news I saw recently about that organization famous for practicing selective civil rights with impunity. Apparently the Florida branch of the ACLU is assembling a diverse collection of religious leaders in the hopes of getting some friendly advice on improving their image, as reported in this 20 May 2005 article in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. The ACLU, which by all accounts has a pretty clear message of abject hatred for public expressions of religion in general and Christianity in particular, hopes that their panel of religious (including but not limited to a rabbi, a United Methodist elder, a Baptist minister, and religious studies faculty) will help to “soften the image” of the ACLU and assist in crafting positions on issues ranging from school vouchers to religious practices in public schools and gay marriage.
According to the Sun-Sentinel, things seem to be off to an interesting start:
In their first, wide-ranging meeting in Miami on Thursday [19 May 2005], Howard [Simon, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida] and other state ACLU officials spoke to religious leaders on the teaching of creationism in classes and on right-to-die issues, highlighting the varying opinions each person had on the subjects.
Florida ACLU President Jeanne Baker said creationism should not be taught in science in public schools. The Rev. James R. Summers of Northwest Baptist Church in Miami said creationism should not be excluded from the curriculum solely because of its religious foundation.
“I reject the notion that there’s more evidence for evolution than for creationism,” Summers said. “I have no problem with teaching evolution, but I do have a problem with expunging creationism from the curriculum.”
In fairness, I should point out that Mr. Simon also was quoted in the Sun-Sentinel story thus: “The ACLU is hostile to government’s mingling with religion. We are opposed to the view that religion should be marginalized. The church has got to be the watchdog of government.”
!
Given that the ACLU is wont to violate people’s rights of religious expression in the public square, it just seems a little odd (even hypocritical?) for them to seek advice from those that they would just as soon silence. But that just might be me. I’m sure that my acquaintances who work for Americans United for the Separation of Church and State have no qualms.
If you have qualms, then know that there is hope. A bill, The Public Expression of Religion Act of 2005, has been introduced to the house.
To amend the Revised Statutes of the United States to eliminate the chilling effect on the constitutionally protected expression of religion by State and local officials that results from the threat that potential litigants may seek damages and attorney’s fees.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 26, 2005
Mr. HOSTETTLER (for himself, Mr. WAMP, Mr. NORWOOD, Mr. JENKINS, Mr. PAUL, Mr. DOOLITTLE, Mr. SODREL, Mr. WELDON of Florida, Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. BACHUS, Mr. PITTS, Mr. INGLIS of South Carolina, Mr. OTTER, Mr. DUNCAN, Mr. JONES of North Carolina, Mr. KINGSTON, Mr. SMITH of Texas, Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland, Mr. POE, and Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
In the words of Jay at STOP THE ACLU (who interviewed a legislative aid of one of the bill’s co-sponsors), this is basically what the bill would do:
This bill is specifically designed towards “establishment clause” cases, and would not apply to “free exercise clause” cases. In other words, it would help curb groups like the ACLU from violating people’s right to express their religion in the public sphere. It does not stop their ability to do so, but takes your [taxpayer] money out of their hands if they do so. Furthermore, it could not be used in a case against an individual expressing their religion.
In other words, it’s a step in the right direction. Support the passage of HR 2679. Write, call, and email your Congressman and Senators urging passage of this important legislation.
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Excellent job Cao! I hope enough people can convince their reps to get this passed in the house, cause then the real pressure of getting it through the senate comes.