Missouri Muddle: Show Me State Faces Vote On Reckless Constitutional Change

[Adsos Letter]

Source: The Wall of Separation
May 11th, 2011
By Sandhya Bathija

Come November, the people of Missouri will vote on whether they have the right to pray privately in public places – a right that all Americans already have.

Sadly, some legislators in the Show Me State don’t seem to get that. That’s why both the House and Senate just passed the Religious Freedom in Public Places Act (HJR 2), a measure that proposes a constitutional amendment guaranteeing a citizen’s right to pray and worship on public property, including public schools.

Americans United is all for religious freedom and the private individual’s right to pray how and when they see fit. But AU has opposed this measure every time it has popped up in the Missouri legislature for the past five years because not only is it a waste of time, it can only spawn confusion.

Earlier this year, we wrote a letter to members of the Missouri Senate making it clear that if approved, this amendment will likely lead to more constitutional violations and lawsuits, especially if government officials think this authorizes them to impose prayer and religious worship on others while acting in a public role.

LINK: http://blog.au.org/2011/05/11/missouri-muddle-show-me-state-faces-vote-on-reckless-constitutional-change/
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[MatthewStLouis]

1. MO GOP is probably hoping to get out the fundy vote...

At least we're not trying to vote out Sharia law. They're probably saving that for 2012. :-)

[Adsos Letter]

2. No doubt. :-) Private prayer has never been unlawful, though.

The push for an amendment adds fuel to the (inaccurate) belief that private prayer on public property is not allowed within the Constitution.

[newportdadde]

3. I'm surprised they aren't saving this for Nov 2012 like they did in 2004 for 'defense of marriage'

[AlanCranston]

4. what's the point?

people already have the freedom to pray in public, so what is this law going to change?

[Adsos Letter]

5. That's what AU is concerned about (among other things)

That it confuses the issue of the constitutionality of private prayer in public spaces. The refrain from the religious right is often that Christians aren't allowed to pray in public; patently untrue, but they use it in their "the United States is persecuting Christians" propaganda.

Two of the things AU is worried about is the impression this may give that the propagandists are telling the truth about private prayer in public spaces, and setting a precedent for further legislation encroaching upon real Church/State separation.

[Adsos Letter]

6. kick for the East Coast evening crew.