Show notes:
In the first segment, our panelists discuss state level Religious Freedom Restoration Acts (RFRAs). Twenty-one individual states have passed RFRA’s that apply to state governments and local municipalities.
In the second segment of the show, we discuss the Do No Harm Act. The Do No Harm Act “would preserve the law’s power to protect religious freedom, but also clarify that it can’t be used to cause harm,” said Maggie Garrett, vice president for public policy for Americans United for Separation of Church and State. But the bill’s opponents object to this characterization, as well as its name. By limiting the reach of religious freedom protections, the Do No Harm Act would make it harder for many people of faith to operate businesses, launch charities or share their beliefs in the public square, said Doug Laycock, a professor of law and religious studies at the University of Virginia.
In the third segment, our focus turns to Maine’s Tuition Assistance Programs. The Supreme Court recently announced it would take up this clash over the rules governing Maine’s tuition assistance program. Currently, some private, religious schools are ineligible for the funds because of the state’s concerns about using public money to fund religious activities. Update: the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that Maine violated the Constitution when it refused to make public funding available for students to attend schools that provide religious instruction.
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About the Show: Faith & Politics is a show dedicated to discussing issues surrounding the intersection of Church, State and politics and the examination of whether you are allowing your faith to shape your politics or your politics starting to shape your faith. What do you do when God and government come face to face?
Panelists: Dr. Lawrence Brown Assistant Director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty for Northeastern Conference of SDA; Dr. Timothy Golden, Professor Philosophy Walla Walla University; Todd McFarland, Associate General Counsel General Conference of SDA; and Tim Schultz, President of 1st Amendment Partnership – nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting religious freedom for Americans of all faiths based in Washington, DC.
About Us: North American Division Public Affairs & Religious Liberty (PARL) is a ministry dedicated to proclaiming and defending the God-given gift of religious freedom which is integral to our identity as Seventh-day Adventist Christians. Learn more about PARL at www.religiousliberty.info.
Panelists
Dr. Lawrence Brown
Dr. Timothy Golden
Todd McFarland
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