... For example, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, a religious right ally, is already cloaking his rule in religion. Brownback, who was a resident of the infamous “C Street House” while serving in the Senate, has always been a foe of church-state separation.
According to the Topeka Capitol-Journal, Brownback’s swearing-in ceremony on Monday sounded like a religious revival meeting. The newspaper noted that “[e]xpressions of Christian faith were plentiful throughout the Capitol” during the event.
The newspaper reported that Brownback declared the day of his inauguration a “gift from God,” and said that faith would help the state face its economic and social problems in the same way abolitionists ended “original sin in America.”
As part of Inauguration Day, the Old Supreme Court room on the third floor of the Kansas Statehouse was reserved as a prayer room for all legislators and government officials. Throughout the day, musicians also entertained those “seeking divine guidance.”
The program was sponsored by the Capitol Commission, a ministry in more than a dozen states, as well as the Kansas Family Policy Council, a group whose purpose is to “promote and defend Judea Christian family values,” and Concerned Women for America.
Needless to say, Brownback crossed the church-state line on his first day office. Fortunately, not all lawmakers are set on sidestepping the Constitution.
While Brownback may want to push his religious beliefs on his constituents, Hawaii senators want to ensure the same doesn’t happen in their state. ...
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