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THE WAR AGAINST RELIGIOUS FREE SPEECH

There is a war raging in America, and it may be the most important war we will fight in the coming years.  But it's not a war against terrorism, drugs or AIDS.  It's a war against free speech, primarily religious free speech.

Let me give you some examples.  The microphone was unplugged by school officials when a high school valedictorian began talking about Jesus Christ.  An instrumental version of "Ave Maria" was eliminated by school officials because it might be religious.  A city councilman was told that he cannot end his prayers in Jesus' name, while other council members can pray as they see fit.  These are all examples of individuals who were simply expressing their First Amendment right to free speech -- religious free speech.  Until recent years, this was protected speech.  But things seem to be going from bad to worse.  A recent court decision dismissing the case of a rock band that was discriminated against because of its members' religious beliefs highlights the problem.

Officials at Rossford High School in Ohio asked Pawn, a rock group that included several students attending the school, to perform at a school-sponsored anti-drug assembly that was scheduled for December 21, 2004.  Pawn performs original compositions written by its band members, all of whom are Christians.  The band attempts to convey positive messages through its music about the use of drugs, alcohol and sexual promiscuity.  Pawn agreed to perform at the assembly and to present messages to the students between songs.  Pawn also agreed that its statements between songs would not be religious and would be limited to the "Just Say No" anti-drug, anti-alcohol message of the assembly.  Attendance at the assembly was to be purely voluntary, with all students given the option of attending Pawn's performance, study hall or a movie.

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