-Caveat Lector- from: AMERICAN ATHEISTS subject: AANEWS for June 18, 1999 A M E R I C A N A T H E I S T S AANEWS #592 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6/18/99 http://www.atheists.org ftp.atheists.org/pub/atheists/ http://www.americanatheist.org --------------------------------------------- A Service of AMERICAN ATHEISTS "Leading The Way For Atheist Civil Rights And The Separation Of State and Church" ---------------------------------------------- In This Issue... * Other amendments threaten separation * Government aid to religion -- what's your opinion? * The Ten Commandments -- how congress voted * Robertson schmoozes on Hill * Picket the Promise Keepers! * Resources * About this list... IN WAKE OF COMMANDMENTS DECREE, OTHER AMENDMENTS THREATEN SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE Thursday, June 18, 1999 may well be considered "Black Thursday" for the First Amendment separation of church and state. News coverage focused on the passage in the House of Representatives of legislation dubbed "The Ten Commandments Defense Act." Introduced by Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-ALA.), this measure permits the states to order the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms and other government venues. Aderholt had already succeeded last year in having congressional representatives and senators pass a non-binding resolution which defended similar display of the Decalogue, a move considered in support of Alabama county Judge Roy Moore. Like Aderholt, Moore has attracted national attention for his combative policies of mixing government and religion, specifically his practice of displaying a Commandments plaque in his courtroom and opening judicial proceedings with an invocation. Aderholt's measure was attached as an amendment to the Child Safety and Protection Act; it cleared the House on a roll call vote 248-180. But while attention was focusing on the Ten Commandments issue, other dangerous legislative items were clearing the House. In all, 44 amendments were offered to the Protection Act calling for government mandated ratings of movies, videos and games to tougher penalties for juvenile crime offenders. One capitol hill observer suggested that the bill had become "a catchall for everyone's agenda." Among the other noteworthy items being approved by the House of Representatives yesterday: * The Souder Amendment (H.AMDT.201, introduced 6/17/99, #29) would "allow governmental entities that make grants to nongovernmental entities to also make grants or enter into contracts with religious organizations." Versions were also proposed earlier in connection with H.R.1501. The measure "Expands the principle of nondiscrimination against faith-based organizations that desire to compete to provide services consistent with the goals of juvenile justice programs," and "Prohibits the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) from producing literature, curriculum, etc., which 'undermines or denigrates' the religious beliefs of any juvenile or adult in programs authorized in this bill." The amendment was introduced by Rep. Mark Souder (R-Ind. 4th District) who was first elected to Congress in the 1994 GOP takeover on the hill. Souder had held several previous positions working for Rep. Dan Coats (R-Ind.) and a Republican Staff Director for the House Select Committee on Children, Youth and Families. The amendment is one of several legislative efforts, including the American Community Renewal Act, which seeks to permit the granting of public funds to "faith-based" programs, particularly those focusing on drug and alcohol rehabilitation. The Souder amendment passed the House 346-83. * Another amendment was offered by Congressman Jim DeMint (R-S.C., 4th District). This measure "disallows attorney fees in any action claiming that a public school or its agent violates the constitutional prohibition against the establishment of religion by permitting, facilitating, or accommodating a student's religious expression." The measure makes it impossible to recover costs of litigation even when schools violate the law in respect to "student-led" religious proselytizing, and is clearly meant to have a chilling effect on First Amendment court challenges. Historically, attorneys and groups who have taken on cases challenging coercive school prayer or similar violations were able to cover filings costs and other damages. The DeMint amendment is specifically targeted at Establishment Clause cases, and could discourage parents and separationists organizations from challenging unconstitutional, illegal school practices. There would be less risk for schools which decide to flaunt guidelines on religious proselytizing in schools, since they would not be required to reimburse plaintiff's expenses. The DeMint amendment cleared the House of representatives, 238-189. * Separationists also need to monitor the so-called Fletcher Amendment, introduced by Kentucky 6th District Republican Ernie Fletcher. This measure "authorizes block grant funding to establish partnerships between State and local agencies for character education programs that incorporate elements of good character including honesty, citizenship, courage, justice, respect, personal responsibility, and trustworthiness." The amendment did not specifically mention prayer or religious instruction, and passed by a whopping 422-1. "Character" programs and education schemes have become a magnet for religious groups; in Florida, for instance, a "Character First!" program has been authored by religious fundamentalists. While there are some secular programs, church-affiliated groups have often used the "character" agenda to inject religious topics and ideas into the classrooms. (Thanks to Margie Wait, American Atheists Internet Representative, for information used in this article -- Ed.) ** GOVERNMENT AID TO RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS -- WHAT'S YOUR OPINION? The U.S. Supreme Court has announced that it will review a controversial Louisiana case which challenges government aid to parochial schools. A decision is expected next year -- and it could open the door for more taxpayer funding of religion. What's your opinion on this important First Amendment topic? The new American Atheists Magazine on-line poll wants to know. Pay us a visit at http://www.americanatheist.org, get the background on this subject, answer our polling questions and leave your opinion for others to read. But hurry ... the voting ends next Wednesday, June 23. ** THE TEN COMMANDMENTS ACT -- FIND OUT HOW THEY VOTED Yesterday, the House of Representatives approved a measure introduced as the Ten Commandments Defense Act, which gives states the legal power to display the Decalogue in public school classrooms and other government venues. The measure passed 248-180. How did your congressional representative vote on this important First Amendment issue? Find out by visiting our web site; point your browser to http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/tenco.htm for a state-by-state tally. ** ROBERTSON HITS THE HILL, MEETS WITH KEY REPUBLICANS Tells Party Leaders They Will Lose in 2000 "If The Christian Coalition Isn't In The Game" While legislative culture warriors in the House were busy passing a battery of legislative items yesterday, Christian Coalition founder Pat Robertson was meeting with key Republican senators and promised that his group intend to "gear up very strong" for the year 2000 elections. According to news reports, Robertson huddled with Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.); Senate Majority Whip Don Nichles (R-Okla.) and Sen. Paul Coverdell (R-Ga.) in a private capitol hill meeting, where he described next year's round of voting as "the most crucial election in the 20th century." Robertson specifically told his hosts that Vice President Al Gore -- who formally announced his candidacy for President on Wednesday -- "is in the process of co-opting a number of Republican issues" He also urged the GOP leadership to campaign for a "veto-proof" congressional majority that could survive any presidential vetoes or other challenges on issues such as late-term ("partial-birth") abortions. Gore has already called for what he describes as a "New Partnership" between government and organized religion, specifically in the administration of wefare and community-based social service programs. The televangelist also reportedly touched on the issue of the recent IRS ruling which denied a tax exemption to his Christian Coalition. CC spokesperson Mike Russell later revealed that Robertson asked his Republican friends for a full Senate inquiry into the IRS and its alleged "selective enforcement" concerning tax-exempt organizations. Last week, it was revealed that after a ten-year dispute, the IRS concluded that Robertson's group was simply a partisan political arm and not an educational organization. As a result, Robertson has now formed two new organizations, including Christian Coalition International which will formally endorse candidates and solicit contributions. The Christian Coalition of Texas is being renamed "Christian Coalition of America," and already has a tax exemption; it will supposedly limit itself to "voter education." Although Robertson has had a slew of recent financial reversals as well as the unfavorable IRS ruling, he is moving ahead with his reorganization of Christian Coalition. The group has formally kicked off its "21 Victory Club," which seeks to raise a record $21 million for use in the year 2000 races. Robertson is also focusing on the fact that much is at stake in the next election; a new president could name as many as three justices to the U.S. Supreme Court, for instance, along with over 180 federal judges -- a fact sure to reflect how the bench interprets the separation of church and state. "The 21 Victory Club" also is pledging to place "ten highly motivated and well-trained activists in each of the 175,000 precincts in America to guarantee victory for the candidates who stand for righteousness," announces the Christian Coalition web site. And despite the IRS ruling, it adds, "Christian Coalition will expand its church liaison network, recruiting and training church members to serve as a Coalition representative in their local church body." Robertson is promising to distribute up to 50 million CC voters guides in the year 2000 races as part of what he describes as "a massive grassroots get-out-the-vote drive." ** AMERICAN ATHEISTS TO PROTEST PROMISE KEEPERS "SOLEMN ASSEMBLY," SATURDAY, JUNE 26 IN DETROIT American Atheists will hold a peaceful protest at the Promise Keepers rally in Detroit, Michigan on Saturday, June 26, 1999. The demonstration will take place outside the Joe Louis Arena, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Appropriate signs and banners will be provided in keeping with the theme of this demonstration, and members and supporters of American Atheists are cordially invited. We'll meet on the ground level sidewalk across the street from the main entrance ticket office, ground level. This is a peaceful demonstration, which emphasizes the American Atheist opposition to the Promise Keepers agenda, and a defense of atheist civil rights and First Amendment separation of church and state. Parking is available at the Joe Louis Parking Garage, or the nearby Cobo Hall parking facility. Expect to pay an hourly rate. After the picket, we will gather at a nearby restaurant -- details at the picketing. Visit the Michigan Atheists web site at http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/affilmic.htm for more information, or contact AA State Director Henry Morgan through [EMAIL PROTECTED], or (734)-326-5794. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, June 26th in Detroit! ** RESOURCES FROM AMERICAN ATHEISTS... * For information about American Atheists, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please include your name and postal mailing address. * For a free catalogue of American Atheist Press books, videos and other products, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Kindly include your postal mailing address. * The American Atheist Magazine is now on the web! Check out select articles from the current or back issues, as well as special web-only features. Visit us at http://www.americanatheist.org * If you are a current member of American Atheists, sign up for our e-mail discussion group, aachat. We have over 120 participants who discuss topics such as Atheism, religion, First Amendment issues and lots more! Contact Margie Wait, the Moderator, through [EMAIL PROTECTED] ABOUT THIS LIST... AANEWS is a free service from American Atheists, a nationwide movement founded by Madalyn Murray O'Hair for the advancement of Atheism, and the total, absolute separation of government and religion. You may forward, post or quote from this dispatch, provided that appropriate credit is given to AANEWS and American Atheists. Edited by Conrad Goeringer, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Internet Representative for American Atheists is Margie Wait, [EMAIL PROTECTED] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To subscribe, send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. 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