Policy Position

Laws will not have permanence or power without the sanction of religious sentiment, -without a firm belief that there is a Power above us that will reward our virtues and punish our vices. Congress of the United States of America, Representative Meacham, 1854

Religion is of general and public concern, and on its support depends, in great measure, the peace and good order of government, the safety and happiness of the people. Supreme Court of Maryland, 1799 Runkel v. Winemiller

I strongly hold to the idea that it is in the governments best interest to promote religious freedom. Religion calls people to a higher moral standard than the government can while also providing greater incentives for doing so. The founders of America understood the vitality of religious freedom for society to be healthy and to thrive, necessitating its protection by and from government.

Religion compliments ethical government. Americans must be encouraged to voice their religious beliefs in the public arena. It is healthy for both the political atmosphere in America as well as our educational systems to wrestle with religion and morality. Our country and the state of Colorado are in desperate need of citizens driven by moral and ethical beliefs rather than merely personal interests; therefore I will be active in the public arena to encourage true religious freedom.

Supplemental Information

SB 10-089 Public Schools Religious Bill Of Rights

This bill sought to protect an individuals inalienable religious rights within the public school system. Unfortunately it was killed in the Senate Judiciary Committee before it had a chance to make it to the Senate floor.

The committee itself had a good number of testifiers for both sides of the bill come forth. Opposition to the bill came from the usual crowd. The ACLU, the Anti-defamation League (ADL), the Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Transgender activists, (GLBT) and a Jewish Rabbiall appearing to be strongly opposed to Christian ideology, and all attempting to squelch religious freedoms from Christians (since there are more in numbers than all other faiths combined.

Listed below is some of the audio testimony from the committee hearing:

Testimony in Favor:
* Barry Arrington, Attorney at Law
* Stephen Grant, Pastor at the Destiny Christian Center

Testimony in Opposition:
* Rabbi Foster
* Representative from the ACLU
* Representative from the GLBT

From high school and college students to business owners and employees, individual religious freedom is one of the most important and deeply valued freedoms enjoyed by most Americans today. Organizations such as the Alliance Defense Fund take a stand to defend and support this inalienable right in a time where it is being attacked more viciously than ever. ADF has recently launched a website to help college students defend religious freedom at universities.

Alliance Defense Fund Involvement

What can be done? Take a look at Parents Take Ad Action" >what parents in Illinois have done.

Articles

6/29/09 - The Case of Brittany Comb
NEVADA-Brittany Comb was not allowed to finish her Valedictory Address on her graduation day because of her expression of thankfulness to God.

UPDATE: The Rutherford Institute takes Brittany McComb's case to the U.S. Supreme Court

2/22/07 - Glenside school sued over forbidding Jesus costume
PHILADELPHIA - A 10-year-old boy who said he was not allowed to wear a Jesus costume during his school's Halloween activities sued the district. The principal, Patricia Whitmire, told the boy's mother that the costume violated a policy prohibiting the promotion of religion, according to the lawsuit.

2/15/07 - Idaho Springs officials agree to allow religious meetings in city building
In the wake of a lawsuit filed last year by attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund, city officials in Idaho Springs have agreed to designate a forum for public use, including the hosting of religious meetings and events.

Videos:
Congressman Randy Forbes challenges President Obama's statement that we are not a Christian nation.