News from the Week May 9 – May 13, 2022
Friend:
How are you doing? I’d like to hear from you because it no longer feels like an exaggeration to say that the America we know and love is in grave danger. I am sad to have to write these words, but it looks a lot like Roe v. Wade is on the verge of being overruled. And the Senate that is supposed to represent the people (the majority of whom support abortion rights) cannot even muster enough votes for the Women’s Health Protection Act, which is meant to secure reproductive freedom when it is hanging by a thread?! You can read my statement about the vote here: [link removed]
If you are upset, outraged, worried about the next set of attacks on fundamental freedoms, and fearful about the state of our democracy, you are not alone. Yes, we knew things looked grim with this Court, but we’re still allowed to be shocked when it appears that the highest court in the country is brazenly substituting a narrow set of religious beliefs for our Constitution as the law of our land.
It’s a tough moment. But here’s the good news: People are waking up to the need to fight for our Constitutional promise of church-state separation. They are understanding that we must stop emboldened religious extremists in their tracks in order to protect reproductive freedom and a slew of other rights – from LGBTQ equality to voting rights to racial justice. And Americans United, thanks to your loyal support and our talented staff, is well-positioned to attract and welcome new members and to fight back strategically and effectively. AU was made for moments like this.
In several recent media interviews, I’ve once again been explaining the importance of church-state separation to abortion and many other freedoms. ([link removed]) The difference is, now it’s not just me: In the last week I’ve heard reproductive rights leaders like NARAL Pro-Choice America President Mini Timmaraju talk about the problem of “religious extremists” ([link removed]) and political analysts like The Washington Post’s Ruth Marcus ([link removed]) and The New York Times’ Maureen Dowd ([link removed]) write about the current threat to church-state separation (and even name-drop religious freedom pioneer Roger Williams).
We’re in this together. Take care of yourself, and no matter what, don’t give up. Our country and our freedoms are way too precious and we have the majority with us.
In solidarity,
Rachel K. Laser
President and CEO
P.S. This is a great moment to urge your friends and family to join AU! Become a member: [link removed]
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Oklahoma’s Pandemic Voucher Program Results In Misspent Taxpayer Funds:
One of the many problems with private school voucher programs, like the one in Oklahoma, is that they lack accountability to taxpayers.
READ MORE >> [link removed]
We’re Already Getting A Glimpse At What Might Happen If Roe v. Wade Is Overturned, And It’s Not Pretty:
Overturning Roe v. Wade would return abortion policy to the states. It would be naïve to think that religious extremists will stop there.
READ MORE >> [link removed]
Church-State Separation Needs New Leaders. AU Is Raising Them Up:
In her monthly column, CEO Rachel Laser reflects on AU’s determination to enlist Generation Z in our cause.
READ MORE >> [link removed]
A Texas Theocrat Was Convinced That The 2020 Election Was Going To Be Stolen. You Won’t Believe What He Did Next:
Dr. Steven Hotze has long been fond of conspiracy theories, and during the lead-up to the 2020 election, he went completely off the rails.
READ MORE >> [link removed]
Get Involved—Check Out AU’s Upcoming Events
Find additional details and a full list of events at [link removed]
May 17, 6:30 p.m. ET (Virtual): “Private School Vouchers Are Never the Right Choice,” featuring AU’s Maggie Garrett. Presented by the American Humanist Association. Sign up here: [link removed]
May 21, 7 p.m. ET (Virtual): “The Secular Paradox, or Why Secular People Can Seem Weirdly Religious,” featuring Joseph Blankholm, assistant professor of religious studies at the University of California. Presented by the AU Orange County Chapter. RSVP here: [link removed]
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