Unconstitutional, Religious Legislation

I have a number of posts in mind that have been inspired by the Pagan reading I've done lately (The Witch's Voice has been my friend), so religion will most likely be the predominating theme for me for a while, particularly comparisons between Paganism and Christianity, considering my current spiritual path at the moment.

One of the things I had found, and found very disturbing, was a legislation entitled Recognizing the importance of Christmas and the Christian faith.

I find the legislation disturbing because of how blatantly unconstitutional it is.

The legislation states:

Whereas Christmas, a holiday of great significance to Americans and many other cultures and nationalities, is celebrated annually by Christians throughout the United States and the world;

Whereas there are approximately 225,000,000 Christians in the United States, making Christianity the religion of over three-fourths of the American population;

Whereas there are approximately 2,000,000,000 Christians throughout the world, making Christianity the largest religion in the world and the religion of about one-third of the world population;

Whereas *identify themselves as those who believe in the salvation from sin offered to them through the sacrifice of their savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and who, out of gratitude for the gift of salvation, commit themselves to living their lives in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Bible;Whereas Christians* Christians and Christianity have contributed greatly to the development of western civilization;

Whereas the United States, being founded as a constitutional republic in the traditions of western civilization, finds much in its history that points observers back to its Judeo-Christian roots;**

Whereas on December 25 of each calendar year, American Christians observe Christmas, the holiday celebrating the birth of their savior, Jesus Christ;

Whereas for Christians, Christmas is celebrated as a recognition of God's redemption, mercy, and Grace; and

Whereas many Christians and non-Christians throughout the United States and the rest of the world, celebrate Christmas as a time to serve others: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

(1) recognizes the Christian faith as one of the great religions of the world;

(2) expresses continued support for Christians in the United States and worldwide;

(3) acknowledges the international religious and historical importance of Christmas and the Christian faith;

(4) acknowledges and supports the role played by Christians and Christianity in the founding of the United States and in the formation of the western civilization;

(5) rejects bigotry and persecution directed against Christians, both in the United States and worldwide; and

(6) expresses its deepest respect to American Christians and Christians throughout the world.

*The section between the stars is crossed out on the legislation, but I've marked it differently for readability's sake.

** "Judeo-Christian roots" changed from "roots in Christianity"

This legislation blatantly disregards the First Amendment's establishment clause. Even worse, it passed, and with a 372-9 vote (with 50 who did not vote).

So, where's the bills about Islam? Wicca? Jainism? Buddhism?

What happened to Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of a religion?

Don't get me wrong, I have no problems with Christianity and those wanting to practice that faith. However, this country was established on freedom of religion, it was settled because religion weaseled its way into politics and oppressed those who did not agree with the ones in power, and America was specifically set up in such a way for this to not happen. Anyone, Christian or otherwise, who believes in freedom of religion and respects the First Amendment should be outraged at this.

I figured someone might come back in response to this about there being other religion-oriented bills, so I did a little looking. I found reference to three religions and I give you one guess what three they are.

Christianity
Judiasm (sometimes as "Judeo-Christian")
Islam

I also found the Loyalty to our Legacy act that has been introduced to both the House and Senate. This bill explicitly phorbids the removal of or refusal to include language, symbol, writing, document, or record on material relating to the Capitol Visitor Center on the grounds of religious reference or Judeo-Christian content. It also makes permanent "In God We Trust" and the Pledge of Allegiance (including "one nation, under God") and makes sure both are "displayed prominently in the Capitol Visitor Center."

One could say that I shouldn't be upset over the legislation that acknowledges "the importance of Christianity," especially since there's a similar bill that also covers the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. However, it's not so much what religion the government makes a legislation over, it's that they made legislation over a religion, specifically singling it out above the rest. Again, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion."

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