As reported last week by CADC, the largest spending bill in American history, the “Stimulus Bill,” has been laced with political payback. Specifically, this bill has become an ACLU stimulus bill, according to US Senator Jim DeMint (R- S.C.).

Buried in the 600 page document approved by the Democrat controlled US House of Representatives is a provision that will have a chilling effect on religious speech and worship.

The bill reads, "PROHIBITED USES OF FUNDS. - No funds awarded under this section may be used for - (C) modernization, renovation, or repair of facilities - (i) used for sectarian instruction, religious worship, or a school or department of divinity; or (ii) in which a substantial portion of the functions of the facilities are subsumed in a religious mission."

According to various legal experts, the proposed economic stimulus attempts to censor religious speech and worship on school campuses and is unconstitutional.

When the bill went to US Senate to be debated, Senator Jim DeMint, R-S.C., proposed an amendment which would eliminate the unconstitutional provision.  In a 54-43 vote, the Democratic Majority in the Senate voted to keep the provision which targets religious instruction and activities in the bill.

Critics fear that any school that accepts stimulus money would be forced to impose a ban on religious events lest they become the subject of an ACLU lawsuit. Senator DeMint warned that all religious organizations would be denied equal access to public facilities. Protestant, Catholic and all others religions would be discriminated against.

Senator DeMint said, "This is a direct attack on students of faith, and I'm outraged Democrats are using an economic stimulus bill to promote discrimination. Democrats should be ashamed of themselves for siding with the ACLU over millions of students of faith."

"These students simply want equal access to public facilities, which is their constitutional right… This language is so vague, it's not clear if students can even pray in a dorm room renovated with this funding since that is a form of 'religious worship… It's un-American and it's unconstitutional. Intolerant and it's intolerable," DeMint said.

Groups like Americans for Separation of Church and State and the American Civil Liberties Union have both come out in support of the provision, arguing that the restriction is constitutional.

At a prayer breakfast last Friday President Obama said, “Faith can promote a greater good for us all.” This was at the same time Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi pushed through a spending bill that attacks the free exercise of religion in order to pay back their liberal political allies. Actions speak louder than words. 

ACTION ITEMS:

In response to the discriminatory provision in the proposed Stimulus Bill, CADC has contacted Senators Grassley, Harkin, Begich, Murkowski, Collins, Snowe, Gregg, Shaneen, Conrad, and Nelson. You need to get involved right NOW, today, this minute! and do the same thing so that this discrimination does not happen to you. They need to hear from you! We've made it simple for you. Here's what to do:

1. Pick up your phone and dial each of the numbers below.
2. Say -- "It has come to my attention that within the stimulus bill there is a provision that will have a chilling effect on religious speech and worship. This provision prohibits the uses of funds for schools that allow religious groups to meet in their facilities. Religious clubs & services should be available in schools as are other clubs, organizations, and affiliations without penalty or financial hardships at stake. I am asking Senator ______ to stand with Senator DeMint and vehemently oppose this bill due to the inclusion of the provision that infringes on our constitutional rights to the freedom of speech and the practice or worship of religious affiliations on school campuses."
3. Take the poll that says "I got involved" so we can keep a tally of the number of responses the Senate is receiving about this.
4. SEND THIS TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS!!  RIGHT AWAY!!!!  Its urgent and being voted on TODAY! To forward this article click on the little envelope in the upper right hand corner of this article and it will automatically forward the information to whomever you want.

Here is a list of the following key US Senators and their numbers below and ask that they oppose this bill. They need your support. They need to hear from you!

• Iowa:
  • Grassley, Chuck- (R) (202) 224-3744
  • Harkin, Tom - (D) (202) 224-3254
• Alaska:
  • Begich, Mark - (D) (202) 224-3004
  • Murkowski, Lisa - (R) (202) 224-6665
• Maine:
  • Collins, Susan M. - (R) (202) 224-2523 Web
  • Snowe, Olympia J. - (R) (202) 224-5344
• New Hampshire:
  • Gregg, Judd - (R) (202) 224-3324
  • Shaheen, Jeanne - (D) (202) 224-2841  
• North Dakota
  • Conrad, Kent - (D) (202) 224-2043
• Nebraska
  • Nelson, Ben - (D) (202) 224-6551

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