Public Expression of Religion Act (PERA)

The ladies at Is America Burning have their fingers on the pulse as usual (get well soon Worried!) and they posted another call to action with the latest 'salami slice':

At the urging of the religious right, the House of Representatives is poised to vote on the Public Expression of Religion Act (PERA) this week; a bill that would weaken our nation’s commitment to the separation of church and state.

Take action now and demand your Representative put the Constitution above the religious right and vote NO on this bill.
Subject:
Protect Separation of Church and State: Oppose Public Expression of Religion Act



Dear [decision maker],


I am writing to express my deep concern over the Public Expression of Religion Act (PERA) and to urge you to vote against this proposal should it come up for a vote.

Under the guise of "religious freedom," PERA seeks to undermine the Establishment Clause, weakening our nation's commitment to the separation of church and state and actually threatening the religious freedom of millions of Americans.

Currently, citizens who win lawsuits challenging infringements of the Establishment Clause - such as Ten Commandment displays on government property and prayer in public schools - are able to receive reimbursement for the legal fees they collect in the process. This ensures that all Americans are free to challenge legitimate threats to the freedoms promised in the Constitution - and that this fundamental right will be extended to all Americans, not just those with the financial means to fund a legal challenge.

By ending this reimbursement, PERA would deal a massive blow to our nation's enlightened commitment to the separation of church and state.

Please put the religious freedom of all Americans above the interests of the religious right, and vote NO on this proposal.

These are serious times. Not least of it because so many do not recognize that it is.