|
February 18, 2009
Loyalty oath legislation reintroduced -- LETTERS of SUPPORT NEEDED!
Loyalty cannot be mandated by law; It can only come from the consent of a free people.
Last year, Senator Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) amended legislation (SB 1322) that would strike membership in the Communist Party as grounds for termination from public employment to include a religious exemption to our state's loyalty oath requirement. This amendment was added following the termination of two California State University employees, both members of the Religious Society of Friends. The bill encountered substantial opposition on account of its provisions related to membership in the Communist Party, which were cited in Governor Schwarzenegger's veto message.
We are pleased to inform you that Senator Lowenthal has reintroduced legislation to create an exemption to the state's loyalty oath requirement. Senate Bill 115 would permit public employees or applicants to decline to take the loyalty oath on the basis of moral, ethical, or religious beliefs that conflict with his or her ability to take the oath without reservation provided that he or she is willing to uphold the laws of the land.
There are many people of faith who are well qualified for their respective jobs and pose no threat to society. They make outstanding contributions to public service and should not be excluded from public employment on account of their religious beliefs.
We think there is a good chance that this bill, absent the membership in the Communist Party provisions, could become law.
TAKE ACTION NOW!
Please write to Senator Alan Lowenthal and voice your support for Senate Bill 115. Be sure to thank him for carrying this legislation.
Letters should be addressed to:
Senator Alan Lowenthal
State Capitol
Room 2032
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) 327-9113
Please stay tuned to FCL's Action Alerts for further developments.
Sincerely,
Jim Lindburg
Legislative Advocate
Friends Committee on Legislation
717 K Street, Suite 500-B
Sacramento, CA 95814
Ph: (916) 443-3734
Fax: (916) 448-6109
|
