When Pat Robertson's Christian Coalition unveiled its "Contract With the American Family," one of the key provisions was a demand for a "religious equality amendment." The purpose of this amendment, according to Robertson and his supporters, is to "protect the civil liberties of Christians" by "allowing" such things as "voluntary" prayer in public schools. The real purpose, of course, is to have the government sanction a situation in which minorities (children of different faiths or no faith at all) are forced to confront and deal with the majority's religious practices.

Congress has now introduced two amendments to meet this goal. The first, introduced by Rep. Henry Hyde (R-IL), bears the same name as the amendment demanded by the Christian Coalition. Although this proposed amendment does not mention school prayer, it nevertheless deals with this issue by using the term "religious expression." If enacted into law, this amendment would permit government-sponsored "religious expression," and involve the government in the funding of religious activities.

The second amendment, introduced by Rep. Ernest Istook (R-OK), is called the "religious liberties amendment." Supported by such groups as Beverly LaHaye's Concerned Women for America, Don Feder's American Family Association, and Keith Fournier's American Center for Law and Justice (a "ministry" supported by Pat Robertson), this amendment would promote government acknowledgments" of religious beliefs, sanction school prayer, and encourage local governments to align themselves symbolically with particular faiths.

Whatever the difference in wording, both amendments would constitute a radical and unnecessary change in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Fortified by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the Equal Access Act, the First Amendment already provides adequate protection for religious expression and religious practice in public space. Changes in the Constitution would only create confusion at all levels of government, promote a tremendous increase in litigation, and threaten our existing liberties.

For more information on these amendments, or for information about ways to organize and protect the First Amendment, please call The Interfaith Alliance at 202-639-6370.

The Interfaith Alliance has joined together with other faith-based and civil libertarian groups to form the Coalition to Preserve Religious Liberty. To request materials from this coalition, call 202-544-2094).