Hindu American Foundation Responds to Rep. Harris' Comments on Separation of Church and State

September 1, 2006

Source: Hindu American Foundation Press Release

http://www.hinduamericanfoundation.org/media_press_release_harris.htm

On September 1, 2006 a Hindu American Foundation Press Release reported, "Rep. Katherine Harris (R-FL) recent remarks stating that the separation of church and state is a 'lie' and that the election of non-Christians would 'legislate sin' drew sharp criticism from the Hindu American Foundation (HAF). In an interview for the weekly journal of the Florida State Baptist Convention, the Congresswoman said that the separation of church and state is 'a lie we have been told' and is 'wrong because God is the one who chooses our rulers.' She also said, 'If you're not electing Christians, then in essence you are going to legislate sin.' 'The Hindu American Foundation is appalled at Ms. Harris' intolerant, non-pluralistic views,' said Nikhil Joshi, member of the Hindu American Foundation's Board of Directors. 'Ms. Harris' comments are not only divisive, dangerous and clearly un-American, but also they demean the work of most lawmakers who respectfully and ably perform their roles in shaping public policy without favoring one religion over another. America is a pluralistic, tolerant society, one in which Ms. Harris' remarks clearly are out of the mainstream.'"