Freethought & Rationalism Archive

ohwilleke · 02-08-2002, 11:20 AM

The compromise readed on Bush's faith based initiative seems much better than the previous proposals. A summary is here:

<a href="http://www.senate.gov/~lieberman/press/02/02/2002207716.html" target="_blank">http://www.senate.gov/~lieberman/press/02/02/2002207716.html</a>

The only specifically religious part left says that you can't be ruled out of the program simply because you are a religous organization or have religious stuff on the walls, so long as your adminsitration of the program is secular.

Toto · 02-08-2002, 11:30 AM

<a href="http://iidb.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=59&t=000063" target="_blank">previous thread on this topic</a>

The worry is that the Bush administration will be enforcing the law.

[ February 10, 2002: Message edited by: Toto ]</p>

Toto · 02-08-2002, 12:07 PM

<a href="http://www.au.org/press/pr020702.htm" target="_blank">AU press release</a> finds a bias towards religious providers in several sections.

Quote:

"While the new proposal wisely avoids many of the divisive legal problems of the president's original plan, it still contains several problematic provisions," said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United. "The White House claims this plan will offer equal treatment for all groups, but it actually gives special treatment to religious groups."

Lynn pointed to the so-called "Equal Treatment" section of the legislation, which unfairly shows bias toward religious social service providers.

Lynn noted, for example, that religious groups would be able to receive public funds while displaying unlimited amounts of religious "art, icons, scripture or other symbols." Such displays will make many religious minorities feel like second-class citizens at institutions providing social services with tax dollars.

"It is simply wrong for a publicly funded job training facility to post a banner that reads, 'Only Jesus Saves,'" Lynn said. "If a religious group receives public funds, they should display an American flag, not a crucifix."

Lynn also said that government contractors in many communities are currently required to have governing boards that reflect the diversity of the community. The CARE Act exempts religious groups from these equal opportunity laws, while not affording the same exemption to secular service providers.

"The president's claim about wanting a 'level playing field' rings hollow in light of the details of this proposal," Lynn said.

Lynn said the legislation would find broader support if these measures were not part of the final proposal.

"With constitutional questions lingering, the faith-based initiative still has a giant question mark hanging over it," Lynn concluded. "We'll continue to watch this plan closely in the coming months."

Krieger · 02-10-2002, 02:55 PM

<a href="http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/faith40.htm" target="_blank">http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/faith40.htm</a>

02-08-2002, 11:20 AM	#1
ohwilleke Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Denver, Colorado, USA Posts: 4,834	Substitute faith based bill. The compromise readed on Bush's faith based initiative seems much better than the previous proposals. A summary is here: <a href="http://www.senate.gov/~lieberman/press/02/02/2002207716.html" target="_blank">http://www.senate.gov/~lieberman/press/02/02/2002207716.html</a> The only specifically religious part left says that you can't be ruled out of the program simply because you are a religous organization or have religious stuff on the walls, so long as your adminsitration of the program is secular.

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02-08-2002, 11:30 AM	#2
Toto Contributor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles area Posts: 40,549	<a href="http://iidb.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=59&t=000063" target="_blank">previous thread on this topic</a> The worry is that the Bush administration will be enforcing the law. [ February 10, 2002: Message edited by: Toto ]</p>

02-10-2002, 02:55 PM	#4
Krieger Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: ... Posts: 2,191	<a href="http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/faith40.htm" target="_blank">http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/faith40.htm</a>

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