November 13, 2003: Stop Proposed "God Resolution" -
Knox County Vote on Monday; CALL all commissioners NOW!!!

Dear Friends,

As many of you know, two weeks ago the Greene County Commission passed a resolution urging all Americans "to publicly recognize God as the Foundation of Our National Heritage." Greene County Mayor Roger Jones then sent the resolution to the other 94 Tennessee County Commissions asking them to pass a similar resolution. This anti-civil libertarian campaign is in full force.

When you hear that your County Commission is going to consider the "God" resolution, please let us know so that we can voice our opposition. In addition, ACLU-TN is tracking the resolutions as they are introduced. For now, our focus is on the Knox County Commission.

This Monday (November 17) at 2:00 p.m., the Knox County Commission will consider the resolution. I urge each of you to call the Commissioners (if you have not already) and urge them to vote against the resolution or vote to withdraw the resolution. Such a resolution violates the principle and spirit of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the guarantees of the Tennessee Constitution.

Remind the Commissioners that it is not the role nor the responsibility of the County Commission to promote or endorse any deity. The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment as well as the Tennessee Constitution clearly support the separation of church and state doctrine. It is the role and responsibility of the elected members of the Knox County Commission to uphold that doctrine. Tell the Commissioners that in order to support religious freedom and the right of their constituents to practice their religious beliefs they should vote against the resolution or vote to withdraw it.

Please let me hear any responses you receive from the commissioners and/or their staff. Many thanks for standing up for religious freedom and speaking out.

Hedy Weinberg, Executive Director