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Action Alert:
Oppose Tax Moneys for Religious Groups

By Rev. Ken Brooker Langston
Americans United for Separation of Church & State

WHAT? "Charitable Choice" may soon become law! In the coming weeks, the U.S. House of Representatives will be voting on HR 7, the "Community Solutions Act." Please call your Representative and urge him or her to oppose the "Charitable Choice" provisions of this legislation! Mr. Bush's Faith-Based Initative is moving its way through Congress

WHY? Because "Charitable Choice" would explicitly allow federally funded employment discrimination, lead to the proselytization of people seeking aid, and authorize new lawsuits against the government by religious organizations denied federal funding. It is an unnecessary and unconstitutional proposal that would harm religious liberty, turn back the clock on civil rights and burden local government with lawsuits.

HOW? You can call your representative and express your opposition to the "Charitable Choice" provisions of HR 7 by dialing the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 or by getting your representative's district office numbers at www.house.gov.

Please Call Both The Capitol And District Offices Of Your Representative: Call today! Our representatives are hearing from those who support "Cahritable Choice." They need to hear from people who oppose "Charitable Choice"!

ALSO: If you can do so, please visit your representative's district office and talk to the staff about your opposition to the "charitable choice" provisions of HR 7.

ALSO: Please consider writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper expressing your opposition to the "Charitable Choice" provisions of HR 7. You can find talking points at www.au.org/charchoice107.htm.

Please Call Your Representative Today!
And email us to let us know you've done so. Thanks!

--Rev. Ken Brooker Langston
National Field Director
Americans United for Separation of Church and State

PS: Don't forget to give your representative the following information:

  • 78% of Americans oppose allowing government funded religious groups to only hire people of the same faith (Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life poll, conducted among 2,041 adults including an over sample of African Americans, March 5-18. Margin of error equals plus or minus 2.5 points) Unfortunately, this discrimination is a central part of the president's "Charitable Choice" proposal.

  • "Charitable Choice" is a highly controversial and divisive issue in many communities of faith. Over 1000 clergy have already signed a letter of opposition to "charitable choice." (To see the letter and a list of signers, please visit www.stopreligiousdiscrimination.org).

    • Related Stories from the GayToday Archive:

    NGLTF Denounces Bush Plan: Pay Taxes to Churches

    Americans United Critiques Bush's 'Faith Based' Initiatives

    Bush's 'Faith Based' Initiative Invites Religious Bigotry

    Related Sites:
    Americans United for the Seperation of Church & State

    GayToday does not endorse related sites.

  • "Charitable Choice" is a highly controversial and divisive issue among political leaders-- so problematic that the Senate bill (S. 592) did not include the "Charitable Choice" provisions.

  • HR 7 would be a stronger and more constitutional bill without the "charitable choice" provisions. Among other things, it contains a combination of provisions that would provide tax incentives to increase charitable giving. Without the problematic and unconstitutional "charitable choice" provisions, HR 7 would probably pass with a great deal of support and be a bipartisan achievement.

    Please Call Your Representatives Today!

    Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
    Find District Offices at www.house.gov
    Find talking points at www.au.org/charchoice107.htm




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