Providing for Consideration of H.R. 2123, School Readiness Act of 2005
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2123, SCHOOL READINESS ACT OF 2005 -- (House of Representatives - September 22, 2005)
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Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, as we consider the rule, I want to speak on some important amendments that are going to come up to provide important protections for religious organizations. If we do not insert these important protections for these organizations, we will be dictating to them whom they can or cannot hire. We must maintain the integrity of religious entities.
The Constitution of the United States explicitly states that Congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion. Not allowing our churches, mosques, and synagogues to hire people of like mind and similar beliefs is not only an affront to their very core but contrary to this great Nation's Constitution.
I am proud to be an American for so many reasons, first among them because I am able to think, speak, and believe whatever I want freely, as stated in the first amendment to our Constitution. Denying religious organizations the ability to hire an employee because of his or her beliefs is to take away that employee's right to think, speak, and believe as he or she so chooses.
We are not talking about allowing religious organizations to brainwash children to think as they do. We are talking about allowing religious organizations simply to be able to provide the same services and programs as nonreligious organizations. Our children deserve the very best education; and if a religious organization is going to provide that education better, then we must not stand in the way.
Are we going to deny many of the poorest and less fortunate children the opportunity to learn in these early childhood education programs simply because it is a church that is administering it? This is about our children, and denying them exemplary services just because the organization providing them happens to be a religious one is just cruel.
I think we all know firsthand the impact that our churches have and how much they contribute to our communities across the Nation. And we all know how much they give back to their communities.
This Nation is second to none in charitable giving and at helping others in need. This is not just a religious tenet, but an American principle. We need to support this rule.
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