ew legislation introduced in the House of Representatives would authorize the use of federal funds for private and religious groups working to strengthen marriage, parenting and responsible fatherhood. Entitled "The Fathers Count Act of 1999" (H.R. 3073), the measure is designed to "promote marriage through counseling, mentoring, disseminating information about the advantages of marriage...," encourage successful parenting schools, and mainstream "fathers and their families" off the welfare rolls. The Act stipulates that at least 75% of so-called "fatherhood grants" would be given "to non-governmental (including faith-based) organizations. The program allots $5 million for the entitlements.

    The principle sponsor is Rep. Nancy L. Johnson (R-CT). The 13 cosponsors are Reps. Benjamin Cardin, Ron Lewis, Mark Foley, Fortney Stark, William Jefferson, William Thomas, E. Clay Shaw, Jr., Phil English, Robert Matsui, Jim McCrery, Dave Camp, William Coyne and Julia Carson,

    "Here we go again!" said Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists. "Under the guise of 'charitable choice' and 'helping the family,' we have another transparent attempt to put churches and other religious groups on the public payroll."

   Johnson added that act "would compel millions of Americans to support faith-based social outreaches that include a religious message as part of the 'service' they deliver." "Under 'The Fathers Count Act,' a group like Promise Keepers could obtain taxpayer money for teaching males to be 'responsible.' What kind of message do you think would be conveyed in a social service program operated by such an organization?"

    H.R.3073 is just the latest in a slew of measures using "Charitable Choice" to permit government underwriting of sectarian groups. A juvenile justice and crime prevention bill which cleared the U.S. House in June included an amendment introduced by Rep. Mark Souder that permits government entities to make grants or enter into contracts with religious organizations. H.R. 1501 "Expands the principle of nondiscrimination against faith-based organizations that desire to compete to provide services consistent with the goals of juvenile justice programs."

    The amendment cleared the House 346-83.

    A mark-up session was held last week on "The Father Counts Act," and a vote could be held shortly on the measure.

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