Ten Commandment Resolutions Have No Place in Congress
Two resolutions promoting the Ten Commandments have been introduced into Congress. These resolutions provide false information and are intended to use the power of the legislative branch to promote specific religious beliefs. Below is the letter sent to members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is considering S.Res. 483. A similar letter was sent to members of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee concerning H.Res. 598.
March 26, 2008
The Honorable Patrick J. Leahy, Chair
Committee on the Judiciary
United States Senate
433 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Re: S. Res. 483 Ten Commandments Weekend
Dear Chairman Leahy,
S.Res. 483 states that the Ten Commandments are "an elemental source for American law." This statement is untrue. This resolution, and others like it, fosters an inaccurate history of the United States.
American law was largely derived from the common law tradition brought to the colonies from England and later our founders crafted the United States Constitution as our nation’s governing legal document. Our Constitution establishes a secular government -- a unique and intentional construction.
Furthermore, the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment actually prohibits the enforcement of the first several commandments (no other gods, no idols, certain usages of the god's name, and activities on the sabbath). Other commandments have no place in our laws (not honoring parents, coveting, adultery, and lying -- except under oath). The only two commandments that are integral to United States law concern murder and stealing -- both of which are almost universally prohibited without any reference to biblical mandates.
Two out of ten hardly constitutes the "elemental source" for our law.
Our Constitution creates a secular government that neither hinders nor advances religion. S. Res. 483 clearly advances religion and must not be voted out of the Judiciary Committee.
The Secular Coalition for America is dedicated to preserving the secular character of our government. If you would like more information or have any questions please contact me at 202-299-1091.
Sincerely,
Lori Lipman Brown
Director