Public Expression of Religion Act of 2005 (FREEPERS stop taxpayer funding of ACLU)

Thomas - Legislative Information for the Public ^ | May 26, 2005 | Rep. Hostettler, John N.

[ViLaLuz]

Got this in an email from my shipmate Sue:

Somewhere along the way, the Federal Courts and the Supreme Court have misinterpreted the US Constitution. How could fifty States be wrong?

THIS IS VERY INTERESTING! Be sure to read the last two paragraphs.

America's founders did not intend for there to be a separation of God and state, as shown by the fact that all 50 states acknowledge God in their state constitutions:

Alabama 1901, Preamble. We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution.
Alaska 1956, Preamble. We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.
Arizona 1911, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...
Arkansas 1874, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...
California 1879, Preamble. We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom.
Colorado 1876, Preamble. We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe.
Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.
Delaware 1897, Preamble. Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences.
Florida 1885, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...
Georgia 1777, Preamble. We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...
Hawaii 1959, Preamble. We, the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance .. Establish this Constitution.
Idaho 1889, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.
Illinois 1870, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
Indiana 1851, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to chose our form of government.
Iowa 1857, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings establish this Constitution.
Kansas 1859, Preamble. We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.
Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...
Louisiana 1921, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.
Maine 1820, Preamble. We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of_the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity ... And imploring His aid and direction.
Maryland 1776, Preamble. We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...
Massachusetts 1780, Preamble. We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe ... In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction ..
Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom establish this Constitution.
Minnesota, 1857, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:
Mississippi 1890, Preamble. We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.
Missouri 1845, Preamble. We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness ... Establish this Constitution ...
Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ...
Nebraska 1875, Preamble. We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom .. Establish this Constitution.
Nevada 1864, Preamble. We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom establish this Constitution ...
New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.
New Jersey 1844, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
New Mexico 1911, Preamble. We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty
New York 1846, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.
North Carolina 1868, Preamble. We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those .
North Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...
Ohio 1852, Preamble. We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common
Oklahoma 1907, Preamble. Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty ... establish this ..
Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I. Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences..
Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble. We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance
Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing
South Carolina, 1778, Preamble. We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
South Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties ...
Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...
Texas 1845, Preamble. We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.
Utah 1896, Preamble. Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.
Vermont 1777, Preamble. Whereas all government ought to ... enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ..
Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI ... Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator .. can be directed only by Reason ... and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other .
Washington 1889, Preamble. We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution
West Virginia 1872, Preamble. Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ...
Wisconsin 1848, Preamble. We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility
Wyoming 1890, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties .. establish this Constitution.

After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, just maybe, the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong!

"Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants." - William Penn

[ViLaLuz]

Check out Jay777's freerepublic post below:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1588571/posts

Hostettler asks Legion to help confront ACLU
Courier Press ^ | 29-Feb-06 | Unknown
 

Posted on 03/02/2006 10:40:23 AM CST by Jay777
 

Rep. John Hostettler, R-Ind., called veterans who belong to the American Legion to fight again, “to defend our sacred liberties.”

“This battle will be fought with letters, e-mails, phone calls and personal visits,” he said.

The enemy? The American Civil Liberties Union. ...

[ViLaLuz]

There are now 40 sponsors. Slowly but surely!

COSPONSORS(40), ALPHABETICAL [followed by Cosponsors withdrawn]:     (Sort: by date)

 

Rep Alexander, Rodney [LA-5] - 5/26/2005	Rep Bachus, Spencer [AL-6] - 5/26/2005
Rep Barrett, J. Gresham [SC-3] - 5/26/2005	Rep Bartlett, Roscoe G. [MD-6] - 5/26/2005
Rep Beauprez, Bob [CO-7] - 11/18/2005	Rep Deal, Nathan [GA-10] - 11/18/2005
Rep Doolittle, John T. [CA-4] - 5/26/2005	Rep Duncan, John J., Jr. [TN-2] - 5/26/2005
Rep Franks, Trent [AZ-2] - 11/18/2005	Rep Gingrey, Phil [GA-11] - 6/30/2005
Rep Goode, Virgil H., Jr. [VA-5] - 9/8/2005	Rep Herger, Wally [CA-2] - 6/8/2005
Rep Inglis, Bob [SC-4] - 5/26/2005	Rep Jenkins, William L. [TN-1] - 5/26/2005
Rep Jindal, Bobby [LA-1] - 10/20/2005	Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [NC-3] - 5/26/2005
Rep King, Steve [IA-5] - 7/29/2005	Rep Kingston, Jack [GA-1] - 5/26/2005
Rep Kline, John [MN-2] - 11/18/2005	Rep Marchant, Kenny [TX-24] - 9/15/2005
Rep McCaul, Michael T. [TX-10] - 11/18/2005	Rep McCotter, Thaddeus G. [MI-11] - 9/15/2005
Rep Moran, Jerry [KS-1] - 2/28/2006	Rep Musgrave, Marilyn N. [CO-4] - 9/15/2005
Rep Norwood, Charlie [GA-9] - 5/26/2005	Rep Otter, C. L. (Butch) [ID-1] - 5/26/2005
Rep Paul, Ron [TX-14] - 5/26/2005	Rep Pence, Mike [IN-6] - 12/6/2005
Rep Pitts, Joseph R. [PA-16] - 5/26/2005	Rep Platts, Todd Russell [PA-19] - 2/28/2006
Rep Poe, Ted [TX-2] - 5/26/2005	Rep Radanovich, George [CA-19] - 2/28/2006
Rep Ramstad, Jim [MN-3] - 6/17/2005	Rep Ryun, Jim [KS-2] - 2/28/2006
Rep Smith, Lamar [TX-21] - 5/26/2005	Rep Sodrel, Michael E. [IN-9] - 5/26/2005
Rep Tancredo, Thomas G. [CO-6] - 2/28/2006	Rep Wamp, Zach [TN-3] - 5/26/2005
Rep Weldon, Dave [FL-15] - 5/26/2005	Rep Wilson, Joe [SC-2] - 11/18/2005

 

[ViLaLuz]

Legion campaign backs anti-ACLU bill
Opposes lawyers taking taxpayer funds in church-state cases

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Posted: March 4, 2006
1:00 a.m. Eastern

© 2006 WorldNetDaily.com

The American Legion, with 2.7-million members the largest veterans organization in the world, has launched a nationwide grass-roots campaign to support a bill in Congress that would stop the ACLU from receiving taxpayer-paid attorney fees in the many religious-establishment cases against the Boy Scouts, the public display of the Ten Commandments and other symbols of America's religious history and heritage.

The Public Expression of Religion Act, or PERA, would amend the Civil Rights Attorney Fees Act to withdraw the authority of courts to award attorney fees, or damages, to the American Civil Liberties Union, or anyone else, in lawsuits brought under the Establishment of Religion clause in the First Amendment.

Generally unknown to the public, the ACLU has received enormous attorney fee awards from judges in Establishment Clause cases.

The American Legion argues that not a single judge, as far as is known, has exercised the court's discretion to deny the ACLU's motions for attorney fees – usually at $350 an hour – to be paid by taxpayers.

This has been done in spite of the fact that the ACLU has incurred no actual attorney expenses, because its lawsuits are handled by staff or volunteer lawyers.

The Legion says the ACLU has used the threat of attorney fees to intimidate cities, counties, school boards and other locally elected bodies into surrendering to its demands to remove religion from the public square.

The ACLU recently has engaged in many lawsuits against the Boy Scouts' usage of public property, arguing the organization is religious because its Scout Oath includes a pledge of duty to God.

The American Legion, whose creed has been "For God And Country" since its founding by GIs during World War I, stepped up its campaign of support for the congressional bill with the release of "In The Footsteps Of The Founders – A Guide To Defending American Values " at its conference last week in the nation's capitol.

Legionnaires distributed copies of the guide, available by request at this e-mail address to every member of the House and Senate during the conference. Members reported that many legislators expressed surprise at the size of attorney fees sought and gained by the ACLU and indicated support for the bill.

"There simply is no reasonable basis to support the profiteering in attorney fee awards ordered by judges in these cases," the Legion's grassroots guide states. "The very threat of such fees has made elected bodies, large and small, surrender to the ACLU's demands to secularly cleanse the public square."

American Legion National Commander Thomas Bock vowed the Legion "will stand with the Boy Scouts all the way to the Supreme Court, as long as it takes, and whatever it takes."

The bill's sponsor, Rep, John Hostettler, R-Ind., said PERA is "gaining recognition as an important piece of legislation both among members of Congress and constituents."

"It is encouraging that the American Legion has voiced strong support for this legislation and it is critical that we pass PERA in the 109th Congress so that freedom of religious expression under the First Amendment can be restored and protected," he said.

[ViLaLuz]

Congress asked to probe ACLU
Accused of 'widespread use of frivolous lawsuits'

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Posted: August 5, 2005
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2005 WorldNetDaily.com

Following the ACLU's legal action against New York City for allegedly violating citizens' rights by random searches on subways, Congress is being asked to probe the group for "widespread use of frivolous lawsuits." ...

... "What is in question here is the definition of freedom," he said. "Freedom comes with responsibility. The ACLU has become an anti-Christian, pro-terrorist, entity whose only goal is to get the headlines to keep donations rolling in."

Swarthout said if the ACLU wins the battle in court, it can expect a large financial boost, pointing to other cases in which the group's attorneys have received hundreds of thousands of dollars from taxpayers.

"The never-ceasing flow of litigation against cities, states, and the federal government is nothing more than fund-raising stunts," Swarthout said. "Many of the ACLU's victories come not because their complaint is just, but because the municipality budget is inadequate to match the abusive onslaught."  ...

[Jay777]

American Legion Backs Anti-ACLU Bill

[Lancey Howard]

BUMP!

[ViLaLuz]

Thanks for the link to the thread Jay!

Thanks for the bump Lancey Howard!

Pray that this bill passes.

[JCEccles]

In these kinds of cases, let each side assume its own costs regardless of outcome. State and local governments have relatively economical ways of defending these cases. The ACLU has no incentive to be economical when pursuing a case. Quite the opposite. The ACLU has powerful incentive to rack up outrageous claims for fees for the very purpose of chilling future defenses by other state and local governments.

Pass this law and you will the ACLU suddenly become frugal in its operations, at least with respect to these kinds of cases. At the same time you will see more popularly-elected state and local governments willing to stand up to the ACLU's bullying.

The net result: long-silenced citizens will reclaim their voices from ACLU free-expression prison and less of this nation's resources will be wasted on attorneys. That's a win all around.

[ViLaLuz]

Plan to cut ACLU money pipeline advances

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1698312/posts?page=1

[ViLaLuz]

Cosponsor update--there are now 62:

 

Rep Akin, W. Todd [MO-2] - 6/26/2006	Rep Alexander, Rodney [LA-5] - 5/26/2005
Rep Bachus, Spencer [AL-6] - 5/26/2005	Rep Barrett, J. Gresham [SC-3] - 5/26/2005
Rep Bartlett, Roscoe G. [MD-6] - 5/26/2005	Rep Bass, Charles F. [NH-2] - 7/17/2006
Rep Beauprez, Bob [CO-7] - 11/18/2005	Rep Blunt, Roy [MO-7] - 6/26/2006
Rep Bonner, Jo [AL-1] - 7/26/2006	Rep Bradley, Jeb [NH-1] - 4/5/2006
Rep Calvert, Ken [CA-44] - 7/17/2006	Rep Chabot, Steve [OH-1] - 7/17/2006
Rep Cubin, Barbara [WY] - 4/5/2006	Rep Deal, Nathan [GA-10] - 11/18/2005
Rep Doolittle, John T. [CA-4] - 5/26/2005	Rep Duncan, John J., Jr. [TN-2] - 5/26/2005
Rep Emerson, Jo Ann [MO-8] - 4/5/2006	Rep Feeney, Tom [FL-24] - 7/26/2006
Rep Foxx, Virginia [NC-5] - 7/17/2006	Rep Franks, Trent [AZ-2] - 11/18/2005
Rep Garrett, Scott [NJ-5] - 7/26/2006	Rep Gingrey, Phil [GA-11] - 6/30/2005
Rep Goode, Virgil H., Jr. [VA-5] - 9/8/2005	Rep Harris, Katherine [FL-13] - 9/7/2006
Rep Hayes, Robin [NC-8] - 9/7/2006	Rep Herger, Wally [CA-2] - 6/8/2005
Rep Hunter, Duncan [CA-52] - 6/26/2006	Rep Inglis, Bob [SC-4] - 5/26/2005
Rep Jenkins, William L. [TN-1] - 5/26/2005	Rep Jindal, Bobby [LA-1] - 10/20/2005
Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [NC-3] - 5/26/2005	Rep Kennedy, Mark R. [MN-6] - 9/7/2006
Rep King, Steve [IA-5] - 7/29/2005	Rep Kingston, Jack [GA-1] - 5/26/2005
Rep Kline, John [MN-2] - 11/18/2005	Rep Marchant, Kenny [TX-24] - 9/15/2005
Rep McCaul, Michael T. [TX-10] - 11/18/2005	Rep McCotter, Thaddeus G. [MI-11] - 9/15/2005
Rep Miller, Jeff [FL-1] - 4/5/2006	Rep Moran, Jerry [KS-1] - 2/28/2006
Rep Musgrave, Marilyn N. [CO-4] - 9/15/2005	Rep Norwood, Charlie [GA-9] - 5/26/2005
Rep Otter, C. L. (Butch) [ID-1] - 5/26/2005	Rep Paul, Ron [TX-14] - 5/26/2005
Rep Pence, Mike [IN-6] - 12/6/2005	Rep Pickering, Charles W. (Chip) [MS-3] - 6/26/2006
Rep Pitts, Joseph R. [PA-16] - 5/26/2005	Rep Platts, Todd Russell [PA-19] - 2/28/2006
Rep Poe, Ted [TX-2] - 5/26/2005	Rep Radanovich, George [CA-19] - 2/28/2006
Rep Rahall, Nick J., II [WV-3] - 4/5/2006	Rep Ramstad, Jim [MN-3] - 6/17/2005
Rep Ryun, Jim [KS-2] - 2/28/2006	Rep Saxton, Jim [NJ-3] - 4/5/2006
Rep Smith, Lamar [TX-21] - 5/26/2005	Rep Sodrel, Michael E. [IN-9] - 5/26/2005
Rep Souder, Mark E. [IN-3] - 7/17/2006	Rep Tancredo, Thomas G. [CO-6] - 2/28/2006
Rep Tiahrt, Todd [KS-4] - 7/17/2006	Rep Wamp, Zach [TN-3] - 5/26/2005
Rep Weldon, Dave [FL-15] - 5/26/2005	Rep Wilson, Joe [SC-2] - 11/18/2005

[ViLaLuz]

All, this is going for up for vote. Now is the time to call our representatives and demand support for this bill.

[ViLaLuz]

This bill has been updated to 2006:

See posting discussing article below
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/1676441/posts?page=1

Public Expression of Religion Act moves forward

Rees Lloyd, Banning-based attorney and Commander of American Legion District 21 (Riverside County), has been selected to testify on behalf of The American Legion before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on the Constitution in support of passage of Senate Bill 3696, Veterans Memorials, Boy Scouts, Public Seals and Other Public Expressions of Religion Act of 2006 (“PERA).

S 3696 (PERA), sponsored by Sen. Brownback (R-Kan), a companion bill to H.R. 2979 (PERA), sponsored by Rep. Hostetter (R-Ind.), would amend all relevant federal laws to eliminate the authority of judges to award taxpayer-paid attorney fees to the ACLU, or anyone else, in lawsuits under the Establishment of Religion Clause of the First Amendment against veterans memorials, the Boy Scouts, or the public display of the Ten Commandments of other symbols of America's history with a religious aspect.

On Tuesday, July 25, the Banning City Council unanimously adopted a resolution in support of efforts to reform the law by passage of PERA.

Banning is believed to be the first elected body to officially take a stand in favor of reforming the law to protect taxpayers in such cases.

The Record Gazette was either the first or one of the first newspapers to formally endorse reforming the law.

[ViLaLuz]

Clarification--The PERA 2005 still stands... there is a new companion bill "Veterans' Memorials, Boy Scouts, Public Seals, and Other Public Expressions of Religion Protection Act of 2006". My mistake, sorry. But the main point is we need to contact our representatives to support both bills. This is what we need to do to defeat the ACLU.

Here is the information on the companion bill:

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GPO's PDF Display

Congressional Record References

Bill Summary & Status

Printer Friendly Display - 4,288 bytes.[Help]

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Veterans' Memorials, Boy Scouts, Public Seals, and Other Public Expressions of Religion Protection Act of 2006 (Introduced in Senate)
 

S 3696 IS

 

109th CONGRESS

 

2d Session

S. 3696

To amend the Revised Statutes of the United States to prevent the use of the legal system in a manner that extorts money from State and local governments, and the Federal Government, and inhibits such governments' constitutional actions under the first, tenth, and fourteenth amendments.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

 

 

July 20, 2006

 

Mr. BROWNBACK (for himself and Mr. DEMINT) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

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A BILL

To amend the Revised Statutes of the United States to prevent the use of the legal system in a manner that extorts money from State and local governments, and the Federal Government, and inhibits such governments' constitutional actions under the first, tenth, and fourteenth amendments.

 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

 

This Act may be cited as the `Veterans' Memorials, Boy Scouts, Public Seals, and Other Public Expressions of Religion Protection Act of 2006'.

 

SEC. 2. LIMITATIONS ON CERTAIN LAWSUITS AGAINST STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS.

 

(a) Civil Action for Deprivation of Rights- Section 1979 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (42 U.S.C. 1983) is amended--

 

(1) by inserting `(a)' before the first sentence; and

 

(2) by adding at the end the following:

 

`(b) The remedies with respect to a claim under this section are limited to injunctive and declaratory relief where the deprivation consists of a violation of a prohibition in the Constitution against the establishment of religion, including a violation resulting from--

 

`(1) a veterans' memorial's containing religious words or imagery;

 

`(2) a public building's containing religious words or imagery;

 

`(3) the presence of religious words or imagery in the official seals of the several States and the political subdivisions thereof; or

 

`(4) the chartering of Boy Scout units by components of States and political subdivisions, and the Boy Scouts' using public buildings of States and political subdivisions.'.

 

(b) Attorney's Fees- Section 722(b) of the Revised Statutes of the United States (42 U.S.C. 1988(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following: `However, no fees shall be awarded under this subsection with respect to a claim described in subsection (b) of section 1979.'.

 

SEC. 3. LIMITATIONS ON CERTAIN LAWSUITS AGAINST THE UNITED STATES AND FEDERAL OFFICIALS.

 

(a) In General- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a court shall not award reasonable fees and expenses of attorneys to the prevailing party on a claim of injury consisting of the violation of a prohibition in the Constitution against the establishment of religion brought against the United States or any agency or any official of the United States acting in his or her official capacity in any court having jurisdiction over such claim, and the remedies with respect to such a claim shall be limited to injunctive and declaratory relief.

 

(b) Definition- As used in this section, the term `a claim of injury consisting of the violation of a prohibition in the Constitution against the establishment of religion' includes a claim of injury resulting from--

 

(1) a veterans' memorial's containing religious words or imagery;

 

(2) a Federal building's containing religious words or imagery;

 

(3) the presence of religious words or imagery in the official seal of the United States and in its currency and official Pledge; or

 

(4) the chartering of Boy Scout units by components of the Armed Forces of the United States and by other public entities, and the Boy Scouts' using Department of Defense and other public installations.

[ViLaLuz]

Another thread on the subject:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1481537/posts

H.R. 2679 - TAKES AWAY FINANCIAL INCENTIVE FROM ACLU !!!

[ViLaLuz]

In a nutshell, there are two bills currently out there:

Veterans' Memorials, Boy Scouts, Public Seals, and Other Public Expressions of Religion Protection Act of 2006 (Introduced in Senate) - S 3696
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c109:S.+3696:

Public Expression of Religion Act of 2005 (Introduced in House)- HR 2679
(Opening post)

Now is the time to contact our representatives and demand support for both.