Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Toto · 02-07-2002, 12:05 AM

The Senate appears to have reached a compromise position that will make everyone unhappy, and will leave some aspects of the program undefined and subject to interpretation by the Bush administration.

<a href="http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20020207/ap_on_go_pr_wh/religion_charities_9" target="_blank">Deal Reached on Charitable Giving </a>

Quote:

. . .
The compromise would give new tax breaks to individuals and corporations, while abandoning the contentious effort to open new government programs to religious groups.

Bush was unveiling the deal at the White House on Thursday with key backers, Sens. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., and Rick Santorum, R-Pa., who began writing the revised legislation after a partisan fight in the House last summer.

. . .

The most contested provision in the House bill would have opened new government programs to churches and other religious groups. It would have allowed these groups to maintain their exemption from civil rights laws and make hiring and firing decisions based on religion, even if they got government money. It also would have let them continue to skirt local laws guaranteeing rights for gays and lesbians.

The Senate bill eliminates this provision, known as charitable choice.

In its place, the bill makes it clear that a religious group cannot be denied a government contract simply because it has a religious name or because it has religious art, icons, scripture or symbols on display.

...

Opponents worry the legislation does not make it clear that religious groups that discriminate in hiring will not be eligible. Rather, it will be up to the Bush administration to interpret the law, said Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va.

4th Generation Atheist · 02-07-2002, 04:36 AM

Well, I suppose that's what happens when you try to please everyone.

I just won't feel safe until these guys are out of power and we have some nice, moderate, dull people in charge. People who, when they finally please nobody, don't spend several months threatening everyone's rights first.

[ February 07, 2002: Message edited by: 4th Generation Atheist ]</p>

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02-07-2002, 04:36 AM	#2
4th Generation Atheist Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Tower of Ecthelion...by the Starbuck's Posts: 1,815	Well, I suppose that's what happens when you try to please everyone. I just won't feel safe until these guys are out of power and we have some nice, moderate, dull people in charge. People who, when they finally please nobody, don't spend several months threatening everyone's rights first. [ February 07, 2002: Message edited by: 4th Generation Atheist ]</p>

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