WASHINGTON (ABP) — Organizations that advocate the separation of church and state say they are concerned about President Obama's pick as Secretary of the Army.
Brent Walker, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, said July 30 that U.S. Rep. John M. McHugh, a five-term Republican from New York, has a voting record that shows he is no friend to religious liberty.
Critics say John McHugh's voting record in Congress suggests he has little regard for separation of church and state.
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Walker said McHugh, who is expected to be confirmed at the conclusion of hearings before the Senate Armed Services Committee, has a background that is "generally well-suited for the job," but his voting record "raises serious questions about his understanding of the constitutional restraints on government in matters of religion."
Walker said Rep. McHugh has supported numerous bills and legislation to allow the display of the Ten Commandments on public property. He supported efforts to put prayer in public schools, including a famous "Istook Amendment" that Walker said would "essentially gut the Establishment Clause."
"While I do not presume to criticize the President's estimation of who is best qualified to serve as Army Secretary," Walker said, "I am disappointed that he selected a person who lacks a basic respect, or perhaps even an understanding, for the First Amendment's protection of religious liberty through the separation of church and state."
Walker said McHugh's "apparent indifference to church-state separation" is particularly troubling in light of well-documented controversies over religion in the military.
Americans United for Separation of Church and State urged senators to question the nominee about his views on religious liberty and the rights of religious minorities.
"As a member of the House, McHugh repeatedly voted for or cosponsored proposals that would undermine the wall of separation between church and state," said Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United. "We must have assurances that as Secretary of the Army, he will support the rights of men and women of all faiths and none."
Aaron Schuham, AU's legislative director, wrote a letter July 29 to Sens. Carl Levin and John McCain, chairman and ranking member of the Armed Services Committee.
"As a member of the House of Representatives, he has supported religious coercion by cosponsoring a bill to allow officially sponsored prayer in public schools, and has voted to allow government buildings and public schools to display the Ten Commandments," Schuham said. "In addition, he has voted to allow tax-exempt churches to endorse political candidates and to support the practice of government-funded religious discrimination in social-service programs."
AU's letter also noted religious tensions that have rocked the military in recent years.
"The reality is that today's military includes Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Wiccans, atheists and others," Lynn said. "McHugh's voting record makes me wonder if he appreciates the crucial role church-state separation plays in protecting the rights of every soldier."
"The committee has an obligation to question McHugh about these matters," Lynn said. "They are essential to the smooth functioning of our military."
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Bob Allen is senior writer for Associated Baptist Press.