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 in Deep Political Trouble AU's Barry Lynn: Bush's Plan is 'Sinking Faster Than The XFL' Vehement Opposition to Funding of Religious Groups Pays Off |
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Compiled By GayToday
Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the leading national opponent of the measure, says the strong resistance to the plan from across the religious and political spectrum proves that the American people do not want entanglement between religion and government. "This plan is sinking faster than the XFL," said the Reverend Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United. "People are abandoning the 'faith-based' initiative in droves because they don't want government-funded religion. "If Americans keep up the pressure on the White House, the president will be forced to withdraw this initiative," Lynn continued. "Most Americans have a positive view of religion, but they also value the separation of church and state. They rightly see Bush's plan as an assault on an important constitutional principle."
Last week John DiIulio, head of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships, lashed out at Religious Right critics of the plan, asserting that they are out of touch with the needs of the inner-city poor. At the same time, the plan has been hamstrung by complaints that it will lead to government funding of religious discrimination and that it could funnel tax money to controversial religious organizations. DiIulio and other members of the Bush administration have pledged to slow down while they retool their approach. Lynn said he remains skeptical. "Government-funded religion is a bad idea whose time should never have come," said Lynn. "There's just no way to perfume this skunk. Instead, the administration should toss it on the scrap heap, shut down the 'faith-based' initiative and go back to basics. Let houses of worship and religious charities be funded by the voluntary generosity of millions of Americans." |
