Lines Crossed: Separation of Church and State.
Has the Obama Administration Trampled on Freedom of Religion and Freedom
of Conscience?
US House of Representatives
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
16 February, 2012
Introduction
Americans of all faiths have a right to practice their religion free
from the fear of persecution or harassment from their government. Our
nation's founders believed this and enshrined religious freedom into the
First Amendment to the Constitution.
While some Americans may not feel that government mandates forcing
them to pay for contraception are an infringement on their religious
beliefs, others consider it to be an assault against their freedom of
conscience. A government policy that encroaches on the conscientious
objections of religious groups concerns all Americans who value the
protections of the First Amendment. Today, the committee will hear
testimony from leaders of different faiths. They are concerned that
government, under this Administration, is encroaching on their First
Amendment rights.
The Administration's actions have forced us to confront a more
fundamental question about the proper role of government in our lives.
This hearing is about basic question of religious freedom, and
whether or not protection will be afforded to religious institutions who
wish to follow their conscience in refusing to pay for products they
find morally objectionable. I look forward to hearing from today's
witnesses.
Representative Darrell Issa, Chair