A few weeks back, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad issued a proclamation encouraging people to take part in a program to read the Bible in front of the 99 county courthouses in the state.
The aim is to encourage individuals and families “to read through the Bible on a daily basis each year until the Lord comes.”
The governor cited historical reasons for the request.
“President Andrew Jackson called the Bible ‘the Book on which this Republic rests,” and President Abraham Lincoln said the Bible is “the best gift God has given to man.”
Further, Elias Boudinat, president of the Continental Congress, said the Bible is “the Alpha and Omega of knowledge.”
Branstad also cited Ronald Reagan.
Predictably, there were threats of a lawsuit by “anti-religion” groups such as the Freedom from Religion Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union.
But now the First Liberty Institute has posted online a legal defense of the governor’s actions.
First, it said, such proclamations are a tradition in the United States, starting with George Washington, who called on Americans to pray in thanksgiving in 1789. Barack Obama has “called on Americans to pray multiple times.”
Further, Brandstad encourages people to participate; he doesn’t compel them.
“By simply encouraging citizens to participate in an event, Branstad has done nothing wrong,” the institute explains. “Under the law, executive officers do not have to remain silent about religion.”
Third, federal courts routinely have dismissed lawsuits, because people simply don’t have a way to force others to not offend them.
Finally, the First Amendment “does not prohibit government officials from speaking about religion, nor does it prohibit the recognition of America’s religious heritage.”
“The governor has every right to issue this proclamation. These types of proclamations have been issued by governors and presidents since the days of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln,” said Hiram Sasser, First Liberty’s deputy chief counsel.
“Whenever courts are asked to address these proclamations, the courts have routinely thrown the cases out because, since no one is injured by them, no one has standing to sue over them.”
In a commentary published by the Des Moines Register, Kelly Shackelford and Stephanie Phillips, both of First Liberty, wrote: “It is beyond judicial question that presidents and governors may issue faith-based proclamations. Individuals in these positions may find strength in religion and may encourage others to join them in prayer. Such proclamations show respect for people of faith. One of the truths unique about this nation is the belief that our liberties come from God and thus no government can take them away.”
First Liberty said it is prepared to defend Branstad if the need arises.
from PropagandaGuard https://propagandaguard.wordpress.com/2016/06/27/governors-bible-proclamation-defended/
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