americanatheists

A bill that would end compensation for attorneys challenging unconstitutional practices in respect to the separation of church and state invites widespread government abuse, an Atheist watchdog group charged today.

H.R. 2679, the “Public Expression of Religion Act” (PERA) introduced by Rep. James Hostettler would amend a portion of the U.S. Code and disallow fees from attorneys who successfully represent individuals or groups litigating many First Amendment issues. The American Legion recently announced its support for this measure, claiming that lawyers were “profiteering” at the expense of the taxpayer, and that even the threat of litigation impinged on religious practice.

Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists, said that the bill is a “green light for local and state governments that often promote unconstitutional practices, everything from sectarian prayer at public meetings to putting up religious monuments on government property.”

“The intent of this bill is to discourage concerned individuals and advocacy groups like American Atheists from using our courts to defend the First Amendment.”

Dave Silverman, Communications Director for American Atheists, said that the Legion and others supporting PERA are misleading the public over the issue of costly litigation.

“Too often, government officials have no problem using the public treasury to defend these unconstitutional practices in court, and the taxpayer has little or no say in the matter. If Rep. Hostettler and the Legion want to save us all a few bucks, they would not allow these violations in the first place.”

More on the “Public Expression of Religious Act” can be found at atheists.org.