FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2001
Americans United for Separation of Church and State
Contact: Joseph Conn or Rob Boston
202-466-3234
202-466-2587 fax
www.au.org
ASHCROFT SPEECH AT BOB JONES UNIVERSITY DEMONSTRATES CONTEMPT FOR
CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLES
CHRISTIAN NATION SPEECH SHOULD DISQUALIFY NOMINEE, SAYS AMERICANS UNITED FOR
SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE
Transcripts made available today of attorney general-nominee John Ashcroft's
speech at Bob Jones University in 1999 demonstrates the former Senator's
contempt for the nation's religious liberties, according to Americans United
for Separation of Church and State.
In the speech, Ashcroft said that America has "no king but Jesus."
"Clearly, John Ashcroft's speech shows that he has little or no appreciation
for the constitutional separation of church and state," said the Rev. Barry
W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United. "For a nominee for U.S.
attorney general to state that we have 'no king but Jesus,' is completely
unacceptable. In the United States, it is the Constitution that serves as the
basis for laws and national life, not one faith tradition.
"This speech demonstrates the John Ashcroft is completely unqualified to
serve as attorney general," Lynn added. "The Senate must reject his
nomination.
"Ashcroft obviously believes the United States is a Christian nation,"
continued Lynn. "He is woefully misinformed. Our Constitution guarantees
unqualified religious liberties for each of us, regardless of our beliefs.
The fact that Ashcroft rejects this basic principle should be startling to
all Americans of good conscience.
"His comments serve as a grievous insult to religious minorities," Lynn
added. "It shows he does not have the temperament to serve as the chief law
enforcement officer of the United States."
Also troubling were Ashcroft's remarks praising Bob Jones University, a
school with a history of religious and racial bigotry. During his recent
campaign, Ashcroft suggested that he was unfamiliar with the institution that
awarded him an honorary degree. However, during his 1999 visit, he praises
the university, thanking God for its very existence, and then lauding the
school's commitment to the principles they share.
"This is rank dishonesty," Lynn concluded. "Senators looking for evidence
that undermines Ashcroft's claims of honesty and integrity need look no
further than this smoking gun."
Americans United is a religious liberty watchdog group based in Washington,
D.C. Founded in 1947, the organization represents 60,000 members and allied
houses of worship in all 50 states.
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FOR INFORMATION ON STOP ASHCROFT ACTIONS IN YOUR AREA CHECK:
www.StopAshcroftNow.org
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Beth Corbin
National Grassroots Organizer
Americans United for Separation of Church and State
518 C Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20002
PH: 202-466-3234
FAX: 202-466-2587
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
www.au.org
