Congress May Look at Religious Freedom in the Workplace and Campaign Finance,  but Security Concerns Could Dominate Civil Liberties  

by Elenora Giddings Ivory

The 108th Congress adjourned with the completion of the Intelligence Bill, which had several provisions dealing with immigration and the USA Patriots Act.  This will continue over into the 109th Congress, with one particular interest being drivers' licenses for the undocumented.  This and other 'fixes' will be offered as a way to stave off further terrorist attacks.  Advocates of civil rights and liberties will be pressed to urge the U.S. government to remember the civil liberties promised in the founding documents of this nation, as the government adopts laws to protect U.S. borders. 

Issues of sexual orientation and the rights of same-sex couples in civil union or marriage could come to Congress, but more likely will go to state legislatures. What should be the rights of these families? 

Information has already been seen on the introduction of a Workplace Religious Freedom Act.  What are the freedoms in the workplace for those who may not follow the religion of the majority within their company? What should an employer be required to do to accommodate the faith of employees who may hold different beliefs?

Faith Based Initiatives will continue to be a way the government tries to provide money to some local groups to carry out social service programs. But concern has already been raised about government-funded social service programs that may impose religious views on those who may not feel comfortable with those views. 

Gun control, voting rights and tinkering with the Campaign Finance Reform Act are also expected.  This past election saw many millions of dollars being spent on the presidential race. On November 18, 2004 The Wall Street Journalreported that "Mr. Bush raised $260 million, or nearly twice as much as the last time; Senator Kerry, however, raised $248 million, nearly five times more than Al Gore in 2000."  Can an ordinary citizen ever hope to run for high office?