Our Religious Freedoms

And The First Amendment

To the Editor:

I recently read with dismay an article in the Connecticut Law Tribune that the State of Connecticut seeks to force the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport (which includes Newtown) to register as a lobbyist as a result of a rally it held at the Capitol against a parish oversight proposal, a bill that was soundly defeated. The proposed legislation would have had “independent boards oversee the finances of parishes [Catholic only], removing bishops and pastors from the mix.”

As a result of the exercise of Constitutionally Protected Freedom of Speech, the state now seeks to mandate the church to register as a lobbyist or face fines of up to $10,000 and/or criminal penalties. My friend, fellow Newtowner, and distinguished constitutional law professor, Martin Marguilies, opines, “It’s protected speech and petitioning activities in a public forum. If that’s correct, the church cannot even be forced to identify itself as the sponsor, much less to register as a lobbyist.”

Quite frankly, it seems rather obvious that the state is overreaching and infringing on First Amendment principles. Moreover, it would seem only fair to allow any institution to defend itself from proposed legislation that is directly aimed at it. Of note, the Connecticut Catholic Conference has been a registered lobbying entity in Hartford for more than 20 years. Why would the diocese now be challenged when the church has already registered its lobbying entity? I have spoken to Newtown’s State Representative Chris Lyddy, who opposes the lobbyist registration of the diocese, as well.

I would encourage everyone who cherishes our religious freedoms and First Amendment rights to contact our other state representatives, and express their concerns.

Senator John McKinney, District 28: John.McKinney@cga.gov.

Representative DebraLee Hovey, District 112: DebraLee.Hovey@housegop.ct.gov.

For transparency purposes, I am an Episcopalian, and neither the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport nor any affiliate has been in contact with me regarding this matter. Instead, I write because our Constitutional freedoms transcend such political tactics.

Thank you.

Very truly yours,

Jim Gaston

18 Main Street, Newtown                                                June 10, 2009