NEWS: Solon Seeks Ban On Religious rites, Symbols In Gov’t Offices

[ghosthunter]

Solon Seeks Ban On Religious rites, Symbols In Gov’t Offices
By CHARISSA M. LUCI
June 15, 2012, 6:27pm

A measure banning religious ceremonies in government offices and the display of religious symbols has been filed at the House of Representatives.

Kabataan party-list Rep. Raymond V. Palatino filed House Bill 6330 or the proposed “Religious Freedom in Government Offices Act” last week before the Congress adjourned.

Under the measure, the conduct of religious ceremonies and the display of religious symbols should be prohibited within the premises and perimeter of offices, departments and bureaus, including publicly-owned spaces and corridors within such offices, departments and bureaus.

In a phone interview, Palatino said his measure does not intend to offend any religion, but it would remind that the “public space is for everybody.”

“This bill seeks to empower heads of offices and departments to follow strictly the constitutional provision on the freedom of religion, particularly the non-establishment clause, in the exercise of their official functions, and in the use of government facilities and property in the exercise thereof,” he said in filing the bill.

He said despite the clear provisions and jurisprudence on the non-establishment and non-sponsorship of the State of any religion, it has been observed that religious ceremonies and symbols are prominently done or placed, respectively, in several government offices. He even noted that religious ceremonies are also undertaken preparatory to the conduct of state affairs, such as the recital of ecumenical prayers before court hearings, flag ceremonies, government meetings, among others.

“The State cannot be seen to favor one religion over the other, in allowing the prominent conduct and display of religious ceremonies and symbols, respectively, in public offices and property,” he said.

Under the measure, the head of offices, departments and bureaus are mandated to promulgate the corresponding rules and regulations to implement the provisions of the proposed law.

source: Solon Seeks Ban On Religious rites, Symbols In Gov

[Monseratto]

Naku, the CBCP cabal in both houses will make sure this won't even see the light of day...Palatino might be excommunicated for that.

[chua_riwap]

so pag pumasa yang bill na yan, yung mga prayer vigil, bawal na......

[CoDer]

so pag pumasa yang bill na yan, yung mga prayer vigil, bawal na......

Naku pano na lang kung may na impeach uli. Eh di wala ng pa misa.

Another non-sense from congress.

[ghosthunter]

Naku pano na lang kung may na impeach uli. Eh di wala ng pa misa.

Another non-sense from congress.

Actually I am for this new law. It is about time that the line is drawn between the separation of church and state in the Philippine government.

[chua_riwap]

yung mga opisina ng mga konsehal sa isang city hall na napuntahan ko may mga mama mary at sto nino pa sa opis nila.......

[foresterx]

Actually I am for this new law. It is about time that the line is drawn between the separation of church and state in the Philippine government.

i agree with this. sadly i know it will never happen because the politicians are too afraid to lose the vote that the church could bring.

[CoDer]

Actually I am for this new law. It is about time that the line is drawn between the separation of church and state in the Philippine government.

I'm afraid Congress don't have balls to do it.

Separation of Church and State don't require law. What it requires is a leader that can tell the Church... Shove it up you ass.