How the GOP Summer Agenda Would Remove Penalties for Religious Freedom Violations
House Republicans have announced their legislative plan for the rest of the summer, leading up to the mid-term elections in November. Hidden in the “American Values Agenda,” amid the traditional fare is the “Public Expression of Religion Act (HR 2679).” The bill, which got a hearing in the House Constitution Subcommittee last week after the sexual harassment fiasco covered by every news outlet. This bill, would keep state and local governments from having to pay damages or attorney’s fees as a result of violating the Establishment Clause of the Constitution.
Think about that. Imagine your local government decides to teach a version of creationism in science class, or promote atheism in social studies, lead evangelistic prayers during official government meetings, or offer government grants for Christian conversion efforts. This bill would effectively remove your ability to hold the government accountable. And, to add insult to that injury to your religious liberty (…and it is your religious liberty. When the religious freedom of any of us is threatened, we are all threatened.), you as the plaintiff would be required to pay the massive legal fees it takes to bring such a lawsuit proving unconstitutional actions.
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