Senator Roy Blunt (MO-R) and Jeff Fortenberry (NE1 -R) have introduced (August 2, 2012) proposed legislation that is a direct threat to the First Amendment of the Constitution and to America’s minority religions and non-theists, as well as to the Affordable Health Care Act. It is also a threat to civil liberties.
On August 2, 2012, they jointly introduced the “Respect for Rights of Conscience Act of 2011” (RRCA) in their respective chambers.
The RRCA will “permit a health plan to decline coverage of specific items and services that are contrary to the religious beliefs of the sponsor, issuer, or other entity offering the plan or the purchaser or beneficiary…”
The RRCA’s intent appears to 1) impose restrictive laws not needed because of established law, 2) deny women and men the right of family planning without government interference, and 3) insert the beliefs of the religious conservative minority into American law.
I firmly believe the RRCA is in violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
I firmly believe the RRCA will discriminate against a large segment of Americans, including those of the minority religions and non-theists.
I firmly believe the RRCA is a direct threat to the health and well fair of the American public.
I ask that you write a letter to your Senator and all Representatives serving your state and tell them to publicly oppose the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act of 2011, not to kowtow to the religious right and not allow this proposed legislation to leave their respective committees during the remainder of the 112 Congress.
I ask that you write Mr. Blunt and Mr. Fortenberry and tell them that their proposed law is contrary to heart and soul of the United States and its secular government allowing free expression of religion without government interference.
(This is the opinion of David Rosman and does not represent the views of the NAP.)
Sen. Roy Blunt 260 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Rep. Jeff Fortenberry 1514 Longworth House OfficeWashington, DC 20515
David is an award winning writer, author and speaker on the issues of Church/State Separation and Religion in Politics. He teaches communication at Columbia College in Columbia, MO. and the Missouri Assistant State Chapter Leader of the National Atheist Party.
David is the author of “A Christian Nation?: An examination or Christian nation theories and proofs,” (Dec. 2011) and “The Clobber Passages: Homosexuality and the Bible.” (September, 2012)
Interested in having David speak to your organization? Contact him at: Inquiries@InkandVoice.com or InkandVoice1@gmail.com
