Action Alert
Tell Your Representatives: Oppose the Pledge Protection Act!
The House of Representatives is planning a vote on the Pledge Protection
Act, H.R. 2028 for Thursday, September 23. The Pledge Protection Act is
drastic and ill-advised and would prevent all federal courts from hearing
cases challenging or interpreting rights granted by the First Amendment as
they relate to Pledge of Allegiance cases.
The Pledge Protection Act would compromise long held American legal
principles of due process and separation of powers by shutting the federal
courthouse doors to Humanists, and large numbers of other Americans.
Action
We ask you to please call, e-mail, or fax your Representatives to encourage
them to oppose the Pledge Protection Act, H.R. 2028 on the basis that it
undermines federal courts and limits the rights of religious and
nonreligious minorities.
Humanist voices must be heard at this critical juncture, so call the Capitol
Switchboard toll-free at 877-762-8762 and ask to speak with your
Representatives office, or find the direct number by visiting
www.house.gov.
Please keep us informed of the actions that you take. And thank you for
ensuring that Humanists play an integral role in this important fight.
Background
In the past Congress has rejected attempts to withdraw controversial issues
from the scope of federal courts and the AHA encourages Representatives to
do so again at this important juncture. Due process and separation of powers
are at stake.
The Pledge Protection Act presents a serious separation of powers concern.
Federal courts serve as a check on the constitutionality of actions of
Congress and the Executive branch. Constitutional concerns are raised when
an attempt is made to block the courts from reviewing and interpreting the
constitutionality of a single act. Restricting the federal courts ability
to protect First Amendment rights severely undermines the American judicial
system.
Denying access to the federal court system is unacceptable to religious and
Humanist minorities who have a due process right to have their cases heard.
If passed, the Pledge Protection Act would set a dangerous precedent by
stripping federal courts of judicial independence and paving the way to
preventing federal judges from ruling on other controversial social issues
from abortion and gun control to school vouchers and school prayer.
Attempts by Congress to strip the judiciary of their power to review
legislation are inequitable and will open the door to more of the same. If
the Pledge Protection Act passes it will fuel the fires for similar bills.
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