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Fight Faith-Based Initiatives
Write the President, your congressman and your state and local officials to tell them that faith-based initiatives are not protecting the rights of citizens sent to drug rehabilitation programs and other services operated by faith-based organizations.
Dear [ Decision Maker ] , I want to bring to your attention a horrible case of court-ordered religious indoctrination made possible by the White House's Faith-Based Initiative and the Charity Choice provision of the 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act. Last year in Michigan, Joseph Raymond Hanas, a practicing Catholic convicted of a nonviolent drug offense, was sentenced by the Michigan 7th Judicial Circuit Court to a faith-based drug rehabilitation center called "Inner City Christian Outreach," which is operated by Pentecostal Christians. He was deprived of his Catholic Bible and rosary, and he was prevented from seeing his priest and deacon. The rehabilitation staff told him that Catholicism is "witchcraft." He was forced to attend Pentecostal worship services. He was also told he would never overcome his addiction until he proclaimed himself "born again." When Mr. Hanas requested to be moved to another program, the judge interpreted his complaint as a refusal to receive rehab treatment and sentenced him to jail time and "boot camp." Currently he has filed an appeal with the Michigan Supreme Court. Just as many advocates of church-state separation have predicted, the basic right of citizens to practice their religion -- including no religion -- is being violated when the government funds or uses the services of religious organizations. Before the 1996 Charitable Choice provision and the the 2001 Faith-based Initiative executive order, Mr. Hanas would never have been subjected to what clearly amounts to a court-ordered proselytizing. The January 29, 2001, executive order establishing a White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives should be repealed, as should the 1996 Charitable Choice provision of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act. Congress and state legislatures should also reverse other faith-based legislation already voted into law and vote down any bills being considered. Taxpayer dollars should not be used to discriminate against someone because of their religion or religious beliefs. It is both unconstitutional and morally wrong. It is time to reverse the damage that has been done and prevent Mr. Hanas' plight from happening to more Americans.
Sincerely, |
Campaign Launched: |
| Background Information |
Just as many advocates of church-state separation have predicted, the basic right of citizens to practice their religion—including no religion—is being violated when the government funds or uses the services of religious organizations.
Before the 1996 Charitable Choice provision and the the 2001 Faith-based Initiative executive order, Mr. Hanas would never have been subjected to what clearly amounts to a court-ordered proselytizing.
President Bush's January 29, 2001, executive order establishing a White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives should be repealed, as should the 1996 Charitable Choice provision. State legislatures should also reverse faith-based legislation already voted into law and vote down any bills being considered.
Taxpayer dollars should not be used to discriminate against someone because of their religion or religious beliefs. It is both unconstitutional and morally wrong. It is time to reverse the damage that has been done and prevent Mr. Hanas' plight from happening to more Americans.
