John Conyers: “the very first amendment to the constitution provides that ``Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of…”

“the very first amendment to the constitution provides that ``Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.'' This protects a right--freedom of religion--that is fundamental in any democratic and free society. Since the bill of rights was approved in 1791, several additional measures have been taken to safeguard this right. For example, the Civil Rights Act of 1871, now known as Section 1983, and the Civil Rights Attorney's Fee Award Act of 1976, now know as Section 1988, were enacted to provide all citizens with the means to protect all constitutional rights. Today, the Majority would have this Congress take a step back from these critical protections. I oppose the legislation before us because it is unprecedented, it treats religious minorities unfairly, and it will interfere with meritorious claims. First, H.R. 2679 is unprecedented. For the first time in our history, Congress will be singling out one area of constitutional protections under the Bill of Rights and prevent its full enforcement.”