‘Religious Equality’

Some members of Congress, including Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Reps. Henry Hyde (R-Ill.) and Ernest Istook (R-Okla.), have introduced “religious equality” amendments. These attempts to change our Bill of Rights are both dangerous and unnecessary.

Dangerous because they seek to overturn the 1st Amendment and tip the careful balance that protects all Americans against government coercion and endorsement of religion. And unnecessary because religious liberty and private religious expression, including in public schools and the public square, are already protected by the Constitution and federal law. Look at the facts. Students can pray in a nondisruptive fashion--silently in class, in a group or at lunch, or as part of prayer and Bible clubs. Public employees may wear religious symbols and attire and may engage in religious worship and discussion that do not interfere with their duties.

The prohibitions on government establishment of religion and government abridgment of religious free exercise have safeguarded religious liberty for all Americans, enabled religion to flourish and spared our nation the nightmare of sectarian strife. This bedrock principle of American freedom must be preserved.

DAVID P. ROUSSO

President, Los Angeles Chapter

American Jewish Committee