Charles T. Canady: “I believe in all 50 State Constitutions reference to God is made. In our Declaration of Independence reference is made…”

“I believe in all 50 State Constitutions reference to God is made. In our Declaration of Independence reference is made to the Creator. Throughout our life as a Nation references have been made to God in public documents and public events. So to attempt to cleanse the underlying amendment of the word ``God'' I think is simply moving in the wrong direction and is inconsistent with the fundamental purpose of this amendment. I would just suggest to the Members that they look at what this amendment would do and judge it in light of the history of our Nation and in light of the 50 State Constitutions. Turning to the second part of the amendment, which would remove the prohibition on the denial of benefits on account of religion, I would simply ask, why should anyone, any individual or any institution, be denied a benefit on account of religion? Why should we allow that to take place? Why should any person or any institution be subjected to a disadvantage because of that person or institution's religious nature or religious activity? It seems to me to allow such a policy of disadvantaging people and institutions simply because they are religious is the antithesis of our goal of protecting the free exercise of religion. Indeed, to deny a benefit on account of religion is to punish the free exercise of religion.”