RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

I am concerned about the tendency of the courts in recent years to weaken the First Amendment rights of religious groups or individuals to freely express their faith.  In fact, it seems that this cherished fundamental liberty has been under assault by Supreme Court rulings, requiring a renewed vigilance to preserve this "unalienable right" which is central to our American identity. 

In light of recent debate surrounding the display of the Ten Commandments, there is a need to readdress our national commitment to free religious expression.  The Ten Commandments are a declaration of fundamental principles that are the cornerstones of a fair and just society.  While the Founding Fathers were against the endorsement of any one religion, it was not their intention to create a Godless nation.  The display of the Ten Commandments on federal property is consistent with other instances involving religious symbols on public property.  In fact, the Supreme Court of the United States displays the Ten Commandments as well as other religious symbols, and both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate open each day with a prayer.  Moreover, it has also become a tradition for Presidents to conclude their State of the Union speech with the simple prayer, "God Bless America."

Clearly, we must guard against any government establishment of religion, but that does not mean we should ignore the religious traditions on which this nation was founded or work to drive religion and religious people out of public life.  As a supporter of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, signed into law in 1993, I will support attempts to reinstate similar measures.