FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2020
MEDIA CONTACT
Sarah Clements, West End Strategy Team
sclements@westendstrategy.com; 202.765.8584
Rabbi Jack Moline: President Trump’s address a “campaign rally,” not SOTU
WASHINGTON — In response to President Trump’s State of the Union speech highlighting the administration’s record on so-called “religious freedom,” Rabbi Jack Moline, president of Interfaith Alliance, released the following statement:
“Last night’s presentation was more a show than an address, more a campaign rally than a State of the Union. The president’s speech was laced with xenophobic dog whistles, nods to the Religious Right’s legislative agenda, and a renewed push to channel taxpayers’ dollars to private religious schools – a direct assault on the Establishment Clause.
“President Trump continued to conflate advancing the interests of conservative Christians with supporting true religious freedom for all Americans. And as he embraced prayer in schools — which is legal and commonplace for individuals on a voluntary basis — it was clear that his idea of ‘constitutional prayer in schools’ only makes room for certain expressions of faith.
“This administration’s policies speak for themselves: Islamophobic travel bans, religion-based discrimination by publicly-funded adoption agencies, a green light for those seeking a license to discriminate. To claim President Trump is a champion of religious freedom couldn’t be further from the truth.
“In America, we celebrate those of diverse faiths, and those of none. We cherish democracy, and with that the right of all Americans to exercise their own belief systems. And when we see the administration jeopardizing these tenets, we must lift our voices in protest and raise our sights toward a more just country for those of all faiths and none.”
Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.