Questions that deserve answers

As some of you might know, I'm involved with the First Freedom First campaign (full disclosure). But even if I weren't, I would still think it important to find out where candidates stand on the important matter of safeguarding separation of church and state.

First Freedom First has launched an advertising campaign, encouraging people to ask all the candidates questions about their views on church-state separation. TV ads are up in New Hampshire as you read this:




Here are the questions that I would ask:

• Leaders on the religious right often say that America is a “Christian Nation.” Do you agree with this statement?



• Do you think Houses of Worship should be allowed to endorse political candidates and retain their tax exempt status?



• Do you think public schools should sponsor school prayer or, as a parent, should this choice be left to me?
  
  
• Would you support a law that mandates teaching creationism in my child's public school science classes?



• Do you think my pharmacist should be allowed to deny me doctor-prescribed medications based on his or her religious beliefs?



• Will you respect the rights of those in our diverse communities of faith who deem same-gender marriage to be consistent with their religious creed?



• Should “faith-based” charities that receive public funds be allowed to discriminate against employees or applicants based on religious beliefs?



• Do you think one’s right to disbelieve in God is protected by the same laws that protect someone else’s right to believe?



• Do you think everyone's religious freedom needs to be protected by what Thomas Jefferson called "a wall of separation" between church and state?



• What should guide our policies on public health and medical research: science or religion?

So what would you ask?

Please feel free to share this with others, and urge everyone to visit the First Freedom First web site and sign the petition.