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Politics : Sharks in the Septic Tank
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To: epicure who wrote (45921)4/1/2002 11:43:43 AM
From: The Philosopher  Read Replies (1) of 82486
 
For me, the point is that government should be religion neutral. Neither promoting nor opposing.

The clear language of the First Amendment is that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion."

I don't see how allowing a sign to be posted by a private group on a building is making a law respecting an establishment of religion. Indeed, if the state passes a rule that says that the Chamber of Commerce may post a sign saying "Welcome to Our Town" but may not post a sign in the identical place saying "Merry Christmas," that is closer to a law respecting an establishment of religion, or lack thereof.

With free speech, the concept or content neutral regulations is quite clear. If a city gives a parade permit to a group promoting protection of the whales, it has to give a parade permit to a group supporting whaling. That's pretty clear first amendment freedom of speech protection.

I think the same principles should apply to religious groups as apply to any other groups. Otherwise, the state IS involved in passing laws affecting religion, which it should not be doing.

I'm with you that the state shouldn't be the one putting up the sign. Public funds shouldn't be used for religious purposes. But access to public facilities should be given to religious groups on the same basis as they are to nonreligious groups.
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