BILL ANALYSIS Ó
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Date of Hearing: August 16, 2012
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Bob Wieckowski, Chair
SCR 87 (Anderson) - As Amended: August 14, 2012
PROPOSED CONSENT
SENATE VOTE : 36-0
SUBJECT : PEOPLE OF FAITH
KEY ISSUE : SHOULD THE LEGISLATURE AFFIRM THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR
CONSITUTIONALLY PROTECTED RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS AND RECOGNIZE THE
VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS TO HELP
OTHERS AND SERVE OUR COMMUNITIES FOR GOOD?
FISCAL EFFECT : As currently in print this measure is
non-fiscal.
SYNOPSIS
This non-controversial measure resolves that the Legislature
affirms, among other things, that tolerance by the government
toward people of faith is constitutionally guaranteed and
necessary to allow an unimpeded flow of good that positively
impacts and transforms lives. In addition, the measure would
have the Legislature affirm that the work carried out, very
often at personal cost, by people of faith continues to benefit
and serve others in need throughout our communities. According
to the author, this resolution honors the twin national
hallmarks of religious liberty and freedom of conscience in our
society, and is intended to affirm and acknowledge the service,
stewardship, and sacrifice given by those whose faith impels
them to action for the benefit of others. This measure
describes in detail how religious groups of many different
faiths have played an important humanitarian and social services
role in communities across our nation and the world. This
measure was approved by the Senate by a unanimous 36-0 vote.
SUMMARY : Provides a historical perspective relative to
religious freedom and how religious groups have played a social
services role. Specifically, this resolution resolves that the
Legislature affirms, among other things, that:
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1)Faith-based organizations of all creeds and denominations
serve their neighbors in need, and have a vested interest in
our society with much to contribute to our future.
2)Throughout our nation's history, the work carried out, very
often at personal cost, by people of faith continues to
benefit and serve our neighbors in need throughout our
communities.
3)The charity, kindness, and goodwill given to so many people is
directly shaped and developed by religion, and they thrive as
a result of the giving spirit nourished by religion's free
practice and teaching.
4)Religious organizations and the faith they inspire have
cultivated countless good deeds of mercy and love, which are a
valuable asset that helps to address many needs in our
society.
5)The freedom to allow all faiths to flourish and the protected
liberty of religious conscience profoundly shape America's
history and destiny as religious people fulfill their mission,
calling, and commitment to serve.
6)Religious freedom affirms and sustains much strength and
health in the day-to-day lives of millions, while governmental
intrusion upon it stifles the good being done and plugs the
wellspring of life lived for the benefit for others.
7)Tolerance by the government toward people of faith is
constitutionally guaranteed and necessary to allow an
unimpeded flow of good that positively impacts and transforms
lives.
8)Constitutional protection from governmental discrimination or
dictates against conscience ensures a strong and vibrant
democracy.
9)Firmly upholding the right of conscience and cherishing the
exercise of religious independence and expression of religious
belief as American foundations animate the freedom that
belongs to all, so that we may live in liberty and happiness.
EXISTING LAW :
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1)Provides, under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution,
that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment
of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."
2)Provides, under Article I, Section 4 of the California
Constitution, that "The free exercise and enjoyment of
religion without discrimination or preference are guaranteed.
This liberty of conscience does not excuse acts that are
licentious or inconsistent with the peace or safety of the
State. The Legislature shall make no law respecting an
establishment of religion."
COMMENTS : This non-controversial measure seeks to have the
Legislature affirm, among other things, that tolerance by the
government toward people of faith is constitutionally guaranteed
and necessary to allow an unimpeded flow of good that positively
impacts and transforms lives. In addition, the measure would
have the Legislature affirm that the work carried out, very
often at personal cost, by people of faith continues to benefit
and serve others in need throughout our communities.
Author's statement : In support of this measure, the author
states:
Throughout America's history, countless social
services have flowed from those whose actions are
guided by their religious faith and love for their
neighbor. This resolution honors the twin national
hallmarks of religious liberty and freedom of
conscience in our society. By underscoring the good of
a free people and the inestimable value they
contribute to the lives of those they serve, we not
only celebrate Constitutional protection of these
civic treasures, but also affirm and acknowledge the
service, stewardship, and sacrifice given by those
whose faith impels them to action for the benefit of
others.
History of community service and good deeds by people of faith.
This resolution contains a number of Legislative findings that
recount a historical perspective relative to religious freedom
and how religious groups of many different faiths have played an
important humanitarian and social services role in communities
across our nation and the world.
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Among the many legislative findings made by this resolution:
Catholic Charities USA's members bring hope and support for
approximately 10 million people a year regardless of
religious, social, or economic background. They provide a
myriad of essential services in their communities, ranging
from health care and job training to food and housing. In
2010, 3,301 local Catholic Charities offices, as reported by
171 Catholic Charities USA member agencies and affiliates,
provided services to 10,270,292 unduplicated clients, offering
client services 15,448,529 times. They provide food, building
strong communities, strengthening families, respond to
disasters, and meet basic human needs.
The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod sustains relationships and
active mission work in 89 countries around the world. In the
last five years, the Lutheran Church has awarded more than $35
million through more than 900 domestic and international
grants for emergency response and disaster relief. The
church's Lutheran Malaria Initiative has touched the lives of
1.6 million people in East Africa, especially those affected
by disease, women and children. The church has also cared for
the unmet health needs of thousands of people in dozens of the
world's least developed countries, donating more than $1
million in needed medicines in their mercy work overseas in
the last few years alone.
The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) is in more than
10,000 neighborhoods all across the United States and is made
up of about 20,000 full-time staff and 500,000 volunteers
dedicated to working with 9 million youth and 12 million
adults across the country. Furthermore, the YMCA offers after
school programs for kindergarten through middle school aged
children, which offers them activities to explore their
interests and talents while providing a safe and healthy place
to learn foundational skills, develop healthy, trusting
relationships, and build self-reliance by learning the values
of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints established
the Perpetual Education Fund in 2001 to aid those in
developing regions make a better life for themselves through
higher education. To date, 50,000 participants in over 50
countries have benefited from the program with most
participants completing their education in 2.4 years and
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gaining employment. Since 1998, hundreds of thousands of
Mormon Helping Hands volunteers for the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-Day Saints have donated millions of hours of service
to their communities. Mormon Helping Hands volunteers also
partner with government and nonprofit organizations to support
and improve the communities where they live.
The American Jewish Community (AJC) has for over 100 years
continued its efforts to promote pluralistic and democratic
societies where all minorities are protected. AJC is an
international think tank and advocacy organization that
attempts to identify trends and problems early, and take
action. Its key areas of focus are combating anti-Semitism
and all forms of bigotry, promoting pluralism and shared
democratic values, supporting Israel's quest for peace and
security, advocating for energy independence, and
strengthening Jewish life. In addition, the Jewish Federations
of North America represent 157 Jewish Federations and over 300
network communities, which raise and distribute more than $3
billion annually for social welfare, social services, and
educational needs.
Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) provided $167,924,852 in aid in
2010 to many communities without regard to race, religion,
social, or economic status. Islamic Relief USA provides
emergency disaster relief, and developed projects to support
education, income generation, orphans, health and nutrition,
and water and sanitation. In addition to its international
work, IRUSA also supports domestic projects to help
disadvantaged communities in the United States through
community grants, toy fairs for children, financial
assistance, and health care.
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical
Christian organization that served over 81,000 families
worldwide in fiscal year 2011 through construction,
rehabilitation, and repairs. Believing that every man, woman
and child should have a simple, decent place to live, they
continue to work to eliminate substandard housing and
homelessness worldwide and provide adequate, affordable
shelter.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief, a nonprofit global
humanitarian aid organization of the United Methodist Church,
works in more than 80 countries worldwide to alleviate
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suffering caused by war, conflict, or natural disaster.
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference, whose support
came primarily from the church, worked to advance the cause of
civil rights in America in a nonviolent manner. The church was
a vital part of the lives of African Americans in the South,
and church leaders played a noteworthy role in Southern black
communities. According to Dr. Bernard LaFayette, the Civil
Rights Movement and the broader freedom struggle became the
cornerstone of social change in modern America because of the
guiding force of religion and principles rooted in faith and
Judeo-Christian ethics. For the better part of a century, the
faith-based struggle to eradicate racial discrimination and
injustice in the United States has been a major source of
spiritual and more regeneration, of hope and renewal, for
oppressed people across the globe.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION :
Support
None on file
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by : Anthony Lew / JUD. / (916) 319-2334