Litha
March 21st, 2001, 11:51 AM
After weeks of national debate and discussion, Rep. J.C. Watts is expected tomorrow to introduce legislation that would broadly implement President Bush's initiative for government-funded religion. Because of the many
questions about the Bush proposal that have been expressed, the House leadership is expected to push hard to gain co-sponsors for the Watts bill to portray a sense of forward momentum for one of the President's key domestic priorities.
The Watts legislation includes provisions that sharply attack one of the oldest civil rights principles -- that tax dollars not fund discrimination. Because the proposal removes restrictions on how religious organizations incorporate their beliefs into the delivery of social services, discrimination would be permitted in hiring decisions and in the dispensation of services.
Additionally, when religious organizations receive funds, they would be exposed to invasive government
regulation, including compliance reviews and audits. We must not put government in the position of regulating religion!
Take Action! It is imperative that Representatives not cosponsor this legislation. You can read more and send a FREE FAX to your Members of Congress, urging them to oppose Rep. Watts’ legislation, from our action
alert at:
http://www.aclu.org/action/charchoice107.html
p.s. The ACLU also recently launched a new online clearinghouse about the Bush initiative at http://www.aclu.org/congress/gfr.html to help explain
the dangers involved in government-funded religion. Please feel free to forward this message to anyone you think shares these concerns.
questions about the Bush proposal that have been expressed, the House leadership is expected to push hard to gain co-sponsors for the Watts bill to portray a sense of forward momentum for one of the President's key domestic priorities.
The Watts legislation includes provisions that sharply attack one of the oldest civil rights principles -- that tax dollars not fund discrimination. Because the proposal removes restrictions on how religious organizations incorporate their beliefs into the delivery of social services, discrimination would be permitted in hiring decisions and in the dispensation of services.
Additionally, when religious organizations receive funds, they would be exposed to invasive government
regulation, including compliance reviews and audits. We must not put government in the position of regulating religion!
Take Action! It is imperative that Representatives not cosponsor this legislation. You can read more and send a FREE FAX to your Members of Congress, urging them to oppose Rep. Watts’ legislation, from our action
alert at:
http://www.aclu.org/action/charchoice107.html
p.s. The ACLU also recently launched a new online clearinghouse about the Bush initiative at http://www.aclu.org/congress/gfr.html to help explain
the dangers involved in government-funded religion. Please feel free to forward this message to anyone you think shares these concerns.