BILL ANALYSIS Ó
------------------------------------------------------------
|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SCR 87|
|Office of Senate Floor Analyses | |
|1020 N Street, Suite 524 | |
|(916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) | |
|327-4478 | |
------------------------------------------------------------
THIRD READING
Bill No: SCR 87
Author: Anderson (R)
Amended: 8/14/12
Vote: 21
SENATE FLOOR : 36-0, 6/28/12
AYES: Alquist, Anderson, Berryhill, Blakeslee, Calderon,
Cannella, Corbett, Correa, DeSaulnier, Dutton, Emmerson,
Evans, Fuller, Gaines, Harman, Huff, Kehoe, La Malfa,
Leno, Lieu, Liu, Lowenthal, Negrete McLeod, Padilla,
Pavley, Price, Rubio, Simitian, Steinberg, Strickland,
Vargas, Walters, Wolk, Wright, Wyland, Yee
NO VOTE RECORDED: De León, Hancock, Hernandez, Runner
ASSEMBLY FLOOR : 78-0, 8/21/12 (Consent) - See last page
for vote
SUBJECT : People of faith
SOURCE : Author
DIGEST : This resolution 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.
Assembly Amendments change references to students with
pupils and make other technical changes.
CONTINUED
SCR 87
Page
2
ANALYSIS : The First Amendment to the United States
Constitution provides, "Congress shall make no law
respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the
free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech,
or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to
assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of
grievances."
The whereas clauses of this resolution provide a historical
perspective relative to religious freedom and how religious
groups have played a social services role.
This resolution resolves that the Legislature affirms all
of the following:
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 unique spirit of service and sacrifice lived out by
the faithful are the fruit of values and vision set into
action, benefitting and serving the lives of many in
this country and this world.
4. 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.
5. 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 the many
needs in our society.
6. 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.
CONTINUED
SCR 87
Page
3
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. An inestimable value and contribution to our American
standard of living comes from the free hearts of those
whose faith and conscience who, motivated by the love of
God, impel them to carry out care for their neighbor.
10. Constitutional protection from governmental
discrimination or dictates against conscience ensures a
strong and vibrant democracy.
11. The government may not prescribe morals, teachings,
practice, or beliefs for churches or any other religious
body, for it has no right to do so, but is instead to
allow for the free exercise of our First Amendment
religious rights.
12. Acts of mercy come from conscience, and many
consciences are patterned by their faith, moving with
the confidence and courage that comes from conviction.
13. 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, that we may live in liberty
and happiness.
Comments
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
CONTINUED
SCR 87
Page
4
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."
FISCAL EFFECT : Fiscal Com.: No
ASSEMBLY FLOOR : 78-0, 8/21/12
AYES: Achadjian, Alejo, Allen, Ammiano, Atkins, Beall,
Bill Berryhill, Block, Blumenfield, Bonilla, Bradford,
Brownley, Buchanan, Butler, Charles Calderon, Campos,
Carter, Cedillo, Chesbro, Conway, Cook, Davis, Dickinson,
Donnelly, Eng, Feuer, Fletcher, Fong, Fuentes, Furutani,
Beth Gaines, Galgiani, Garrick, Gatto, Gordon, Gorell,
Grove, Hagman, Halderman, Hall, Harkey, Hayashi, Hill,
Huber, Hueso, Huffman, Jeffries, Jones, Knight, Lara,
Logue, Bonnie Lowenthal, Ma, Mansoor, Mendoza, Miller,
Mitchell, Monning, Morrell, Nestande, Nielsen, Norby,
Olsen, Pan, Perea, V. Manuel Pérez, Portantino, Silva,
Skinner, Smyth, Solorio, Swanson, Torres, Wagner,
Wieckowski, Williams, Yamada, John A. Pérez
NO VOTE RECORDED: Roger Hernández, Valadao
DLW:k 8/21/12 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: NONE RECEIVED
**** END ****
CONTINUED