-Caveat Lector-
from: AMERICAN ATHEISTS
subject: AANEWS for May 20, 1999
A M E R I C A N A T H E I S T S
AANEWS
#574 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5/20/99
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...
* Ten More Commandments for Tennessee -- Sims says she'll fight
* "Tear Down The Cross" rally this Saturday in San Francisco!
* Oregon abolishes some faith-based exemptions for child abuse
* TheistWatch: Listen up, Reggie!
* Resources
* About this list...
ATHEIST DIRECTOR SAYS SHE WILL CHALLENGE LATEST
TEN COMMANDMENTS PLAQUE IN TENNESSEE
Commissioners in Greene County, Tennessee unveiled a plaque of the Ten
Commandments on Monday which now graces the local courthouse. The
move is the latest in an escalating war by religious groups to have
the Decalogue or other faith-based messages displayed in government
buildings. Funds for the Green County plaque were raised by a group
known as United Prayer Fellowship; the chairperson of the organization
told WJHL-TV news that 467 individuals or families contributions
donations. The display, measuring approximately 4' x 6' feet, is
prominently displayed above the main elevator in the Green County
Courthouse.
Carletta Sims, Tennessee State Director for American Atheists says
that she is already beginning preparations for a legal challenge. She
noted that County Attorney Roger Woolsey "stated that Green County's
actions on the Ten Commandments came out of several counties not
liking the opposition to the request to remove the Ten Commandments
from the Jonesborough Courthouse in Washington County, TN," and that
the proposal for a similar Decalogue display in Green County "brought
about a flurry of religious support."
Sims added that county officials expect their decision to approve the
Ten Commandments plaque will be challenged.
Tennessee has been the recent focus of numerous battles over the
display of the Ten Commandments on public property and other potential
violations of state-church separation. Last year, Sims was involved
in efforts to have a Decalogue monument removed from the Washington
County Courthouse; the plaque had been erected in the 1920s to honor
the memory of a local Presbyterian ministers. Civic and religious
groups supporting the public display of the Commandments then
announced efforts to encourage other counties to erect Decalogue
displays of their own. In neighboring Sullivan County, commissioners
voted to support the Washington County effort to preserve the
religious monument; one officials said that the board's vote was "a
clear signal that Sullivan County doesn't lay down for atheists..."
Sullivan County officials say they will install their own Ten
Commandments plaque at a ceremony on July 4, 1999. The display will
also include copies of the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of
Independence -- a ploy which Decalogue boosters sometimes use in hopes
of "secularizing" the Commandments and rendering them less violative
of state-church separation.
Sims reports that other plaques may be erected in other parts of the
state as well, including Blount and Knox Counties. As for the new
display in Green County, Sims reports that supporters of the
Decalogue, including the Prayer Fellowship, are attempting to justify
the Commandments monument saying that it is "not connected to the
government in any way," although it sits as an attachment in a
government courthouse.
Ms.Sims notes that the Decalogue "has no place on government
property," and adds that attempts by religious groups or public
officials to display the Ten Commandments in government buildings
advances a sectarian faith-based agenda. "How would they react if a
Buddhist or Muslim group wanted to put up its creed?"
**
"TEAR DOWN THE CROSS" RALLY SLATED SATURDAY IN S.F.
American Atheists will host a "Tear Down The Cross" Rally this
Saturday, May 22 in San Francisco to support plaintiffs in a court
suit which calls for the removal of the Mt. Davidson Cross. Visit
http://www.atheists.org/flash.line for background on this important
state-church separation case.
The rally begins at 12 noon at the foot of Mt. Davidson, Lansdale and
Dalewood in San Francisco. Appropriate signs and banners will be
provided; the march will proceed up to the cross in the middle of
historic Mt. Davidson cross. Ray Romano, First Amendment activist
and host of the "Religiously Incorrect" television program, will
address the rally.
For more information, visit
http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/affilcal.htm or contact the
California American Atheists at [EMAIL PROTECTED], or 415-771-9872.
**
OREGON HOUSE VOTE STIRS DEBATE OVER RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS
IN HEALTH CARE
Oregon's House of Representatives has passed a bill which would change
the status of most of the state's legal exemptions which shield
religious parents and faith-based practitioners from legal prosecution
if children in their care die of a treatable illness. Introduced by
Rep. Bruce W. Starr (R-Dist. 3), H.B. 2494 eliminates the
religious exemption for the "spiritual treatment defense to murder,
kidnapping, criminal mistreatment and criminal nonsupport." The
original proposal also called for elimination of "spiritual treatment
exception in definition of abuse for purpose of child abuse
reporting."
Cosponsors of the measure included Reps. Snodgrass, Bowman, Jenson,
Knopp, Krummel, Kruse, Minnis, Rasmussen and Schrader. A Senate
version which now faces action is supported by Sen. Brown, Burdick,
Qutub, Shannon and Starr. A similar House measure was ntroduced by
Rep. Kathy Lowe (D-Milwaukie).
Oregon, like many other states, has had a number of legal statutes
which exempt faith practitioners and believing parents from any
prosecution should patients, including children, die from medical
neglect. Some form of faith-healing is practiced by "literally
thousands of Christians across the nation," noted The Oregonian
newspaper earlier this month, with the largest organized body being
the Christian Scientists sect founded by Mary Baker Eddy. The new
Oregon legislation was prompted, in part, by stories which appeared
last year in The (Portland) Oregonian newspaper about youngsters whose
parents were members of the Followers of Christ, a 1,200 member sect
that shuns conventional medical treatment in favor of prayer. The
paper's investigation revealed that officials were aware of
"preventable deaths and injuries of Follower's children as early as
the late 1960s," but took no action to hold parents or the Church
legally responsible. There were no formal investigations by the State
prior to 1985, when the deaths of children belonging to church adults
were considered "the tragic consequence of the parents' religious
freedom..."
Reacting to the tragedies, Rep. Starr declared, "When, because of
religious beliefs, parents refuse to intercede in life-threatening
situations of their child, it is the right of the state to intervene
in order to prevent the death of that child."
Hearings on the proposed legislation included testimony by Bruce
Fitzwater, a Christian Scientist "caregiver" and lobbyist for the
church. He claimed that the church supported any decisions which
parents made, adding that Christian Science did not disapprove of
those members who do seek medical treatment after prayer and "getting
close to God" does not work.
Weighing in for the new legislation, however, was a range of groups
including the Oregon Pediatric Society, the state Medical Association
and Nurses Association, Children First, Oregon Center for Family
Policy, and Childrens' Healthcare Is A Legal Duty (CHILD) headed by
Rita Swan. Newspaper endorsements came from The (Portland) Oregonian
and the Eugene Register-Guard.
Ms. Swan told AANEWS that while the passage of Rep. Starr's measure
was good news, "it doesn't go far enough in guaranteeing protections
for children." She noted that the respective Republican and
Democratic bills changed the status of only about half of the
religious exemptions now on the law books. "If Oregon wants parents
to provide necessary medical care for sick and injured children, it
makes no sense to having a law stating that 'In a prosecution for
failure to provide necessary and proper medical care, it is a defense
that the medical attention was provided by treatment by prayer through
spiritual means alone...'" Swan noted. She quoted Oregon Statute
163.555(2)(c).
"If such a law remains, religious leaders may still advise their
parishioners that Oregon recognizes prayer as a legal substitute for
medical care."
The version passed by the House will make parents or practitioners who
rely solely on faith-healing legally responsible for any non-lethal
injuries -- but only in the case of children up to the age of 15.
Swan attacked a Minority report on the legislation that claimed that
persons 15-17 years old "have the legal ability to refuse medical
care."
"Such a claim is misleading," Swan wrote in testimony on the proposal.
"While teenagers are given some rights to make medical decisions,
current law does not give people under 18 years old the right to
refuse medical care that is necessary to prevent substantial or
permanent harm."
Swan also lamented that the House version is still a compromise on
other key points. "Even after the Oregonian's massive publicity
...(about) injuries of children because of Christian Science and
Pentecostal faith-healing sects and even after so many organizations
have called for the repeal of the religious exemptions, the Oregon
House chose to make many concessions to the Christian Science church
that lower protection for children." She added that those concessions
"also benefit the church financially," and cited the fact that
Christian Science practitioners charge money for their prayer
services, and in many even cases even have their bills covered by
insurance compensation.
"The House has retained a law that allows criminal mistreatment if a
caretaker retains an 'accredited practitioner' of 'spiritual
treatment' from a 'recognized' church to pray for a dependent person.
If the caretaker does the praying himself or asks a neighbor to pray,
he is not allowed to commit the harms defined as criminal
mistreatment..."
Faith-Healing: The RFRA Connectio
Ironically, Rep. Starr -- an evangelical Christian -- managed to
defuse some of the expected opposition to reforming the Oregon
religious exemptions. But he is also a sponsor of House Bill 3469,
which proposes a version of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act,
RFRA. It would require that government use a "compelling
interest/least restrictive means" test when dealing with any
faith-based groups, activities or practices.
Would an Oregon RFRA trump any other legislation which attempts to
punish faith healers who flout the law and allow children, or others
in their care, to die or suffer other adverse effects through neglect?
Constitutional attorney Marci Hamilton says it would. "It's just
another example of the unintended consequences of RFRA," Hamilton told
AANEWS. "A group like Christian Science could easily use the
Religious Freedom Restoration Act to circumvent any the reforms passed
by the Oregon House which would otherwise hold these churches
accountable for neglect."
In a letter being sent today to Rep. Starr, Dr. Hamilton expressed
"my concern that this bill (RFRA) is inconsistent with your laudable
efforts to repeal exemptions for religious parents from the child
neglect, abuse, and murder laws."
**
THEISTWATCH SHORT SHOTS
How far should government and religion go in monitoring personal
behavior? All the way to the bedroom, at least if one California
woman has her way. Laura Onate-Palacios, a twice-married 52-year old
woman, has filed a $200 initiative fee to support a proposal that
would be make extramarital affairs a crime in that state. According
to CNN, those found guilty of adulterous dalliances would be "forced
to make a public apology and pay for therapy..."
Another law ... just what we need, right? But as a Field Poll
researcher observes, the proposal will likely have stiff opposition,
even it Mrs. Onate-Palacios and other busybodies do manager to obtain
the 419,250 voter signatures to put the measure on the 2000 ballot.
Mark DiCamillo noted, "It doesn't seem to me to conform to the main
tenet of Californians' attitude, which is a kind of openness, sense of
tolerance and acceptance of lifestyles."
**
Rev. Robert Schuler, the California evangelist whose "Hour of Pour"
television program claims an audience of 30 million viewers across the
globe, says that he is still troubled by the flap and scandal over his
arrest in 1997 following a altercation with a male flight attendant.
The 72-year old electronic preacher is best known for his broadcast
sermons from the "Crystal Cathedral" temple, a lavish glass palace
which serves as Schuler's ministerial base, and his promotion of
feel-good Christianity. But he told the Virginian-Pilot newspaper
recently that he was still disturbed over the incident, where the
United Airlines steward claimed he was roughed-up by Schuler and
shoved after the reverend demanded more grapes on his cheese and fruit
place, and following an earlier dispute over where to place a bag.
The flight attendant filed a $5 million lawsuit, which was settled out
of court.
Schuler lamented, "The most practical thing I've learned is that
American civil liberties don't exist when you cross state lines in a
plane."
The folksy preacher, author of inspirational books like "Tough Times
Never Last, But Tough People Do," was in town to appear on a taping
for evangelist Pat Robertson's "700 Club" program. The Pilot noted
that Gordon Robertson, son of the elder Robertson, called Schuler "one
of the great Christian leaders of our day..."
**
Remember the Rutherford Institute, the "religious liberty" group that
decided to defend Paula Jones in her groping lawsuit against Bill
Clinton? We were certainly puzzled why a "religious" rights
organization found cause to intervene in the alleged presidential
dalliances. It seems, though, that Rutherford has fallen on rougher
times, amidst reports of declining contributions and interest. Now,
the group has decided to represent the Sons of Confederate Veterans in
a federal lawsuit this summer against the Virginia Department of Motor
Vehicles. The Sons maintain that their rights were violated when the
state House of Delegates votes against displaying the Confederate flag
on the Sons of Confederate Veterans' vanity license plates. While the
General Assembly did approve the creation of the special plates --
similar to those used by fraternal and civic groups -- it rejected the
Dixie flag logo. Opponents charged that the stars-and-bars were a
racist and offensive symbol of hatred.
Sons of Confederate Veterans must show direct lineage to a Confederate
soldier; the organization has 6,000 members in Virginia,
**
A Roman Catholic church in San Antonio, Texas is leading a morality
crusade to have the state Alcoholic Beverage Commission repeal the
liquor license of a local topless bar. The ABC filed a petition on
April 1 citing a number of alleged violations at Giorgio's, one of
eleven local topless clubs that are trying to remain open under that
city's new 1998 Sexually Oriented Businesses ordinance. The
regulation makes it illegal for any kind of adult enterprise,
including a topless club, to operate within 500 feet of a school,
church or residential neighborhood.
Why a church? How would religious groups feel if a law were passed
that decreed that no "house of worship" could open within 500 feet of
an adult entertainment store, or any other business for that matter?
But that trivial concern isn't stopping parishioners of St. Luke's
Catholic Church who have come out in favor of shutting down Giorgio's.
Your editor recalls a similar flap years ago, when local church
leaders were conducting one of their periodic crusades to shut down
local adult bookstores. A meeting was held by the local City Council
on a control ordinance. Following the impassioned plea of a local
clergy to "cleanse the community" of "pornographic filth," one of the
adult store owners stood up and remarked, "Yes, Reverend, you might be
right ... but the big difference between your church and the
neighborhood peep show is that we at least pay taxes."
**
Reggie White, "Minister of Defense" for the Green Bay Packers and an
outspoken advocate of Christian evangelism, is becoming even more
belligerent in advancing his sectarian religious agenda. Recall that
White has already offended gays and ethnic groups for his comments
made before the Wisconsin state legislator; he blasted homosexuals as
sinners, and said that God instilled certain "differences" -- like the
ability to dance in blacks, or make money in Jews -- with various
ethnic groups. He and other "spirit filled" athletes have prompted
concerns that they are using the ball court or gridiron as a pulpit to
promote god-belief and worship. The National Football League has even
investigated the activities of some "ministries" who seem to target
high-priced super stars for recruitment.
White has become a darling for religious right televangelist Pat
Robertson; recently, the 14-year NFL veteran made another appearance
on Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network program "700 Club," and
declared "It's time for the athletes to minister to the athletes."
CBN noted that White now views his fame as an NFL hero "as an awesome
opportunity to influence others for Jesus Christ." White spoke of his
desire to "use this game as a platform to spread the gospel and to do
good things for people..."
Athletes certainly should not lose their civil rights because they
happen to play pro ball. But the "muscular Christianity" that is
increasingly being embraced by superstars like White should raise
concerns about whether or not this on-field proselytizing runs counter
to the more democratic and equalitarian aspects of sports. It used to
be the case that the sports world was for every stripe of fan --
regardless of ethnic identity, social class, sexual or religious
affiliation. As long as you loved the game, followed the action and
rooted for the home team, that was enough. Is it now? Must a
touchdown be acknowledge with a prayer in the end-zone?
All of the fans happen to pay the salaries for guys like Reggie White
-- not just those who happen to embrace his distinct brand of
Christianity. Even if he doesn't return to the Packers next year,
number 92 -- and the rest of the athletes who feel compelled to "share
the good news" in an almost compulsive manner while in uniform --
should reflect a bit on their audience. People come to see Reggie
make mincemeat of quarterbacks, not conduct Solemn High Mass, or
organize endless "prayer huddles." . Imagine if an athlete who
happened to be an Atheist chose every touchdown or basket as the
opportunity to hold up a sign declaring "God is Make Believe!" It
would not only be foolish, it would be poor form to say the least.
Reggie, take note ... please.
**
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.
Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector.
========================================================================
Archives Available at:
http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html
http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/
========================================================================
To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email:
SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email:
SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Om
