The Maine Chapter of the Freedom From Religion Foundation is not anti-religion. We support everyone’s right to worship (or not worship) according to their beliefs. The chapter supports the separation of state and church because specific religious beliefs should not be coded into government. That would be state-sponsored, forced religion — something that is not only unconstitutional but contradicts the simple concepts of respect for others and, simply put, fairness.
These days, apparently, respect and fairness are controversial ideas.
Project 2025 has gotten media attention, but a significant percentage of Americans are still unaware. It is a plan to overhaul federal government while incorporating one set of beliefs held by a subset of Christians. It is comprised of four “pillars”: a policy document called “Mandate for Leadership” (the document that’s gotten all of the attention), a database of candidates to implement the project, an “academy” for the training of these candidates, and a playbook — a set of steps to be taken to accomplish the policies listed in the “Mandate.”
This is nothing new. The first such document was given to Ronald Reagan in the first year of his presidency. There have been developments such as “Project Blitz,” so named because of the coordinated flooding of state capitals with legislation promoting their views. “Project Blitz” continued as “Freedom for All,” but it still seeks freedom for a minority over the rights of all others. Its work continues.
Project 2025’s development is traceable back decades and easily projects into a future of tyranny. It is part of a continuum of efforts to codify the religious views of a minority into laws which would be approved by judges appointed by a political minority and confirmed by senators representing a population minority. Its goals are clear, but too numerous to be listed here. The chapter has prioritized three areas, all of which have a common theme.
First, women’s rights. The “Mandate” plans to, among other things: base laws on the idea that life begins at conception, end medication abortion, remove access to emergency abortion care, and ramp up abortion surveillance.
Second, LBGTQIA+ rights. The “Mandate” plans to, among other things: outlaw what it calls “transgender ideology,” stop enforcing anti-discrimination laws, funnel tax dollars to “biblically based” family structures and exclude LBGTQIA+ from the definition of “family.”
Third, public schools. The “Mandate” plans to, among other things: close the Department of Education, offer no student protection from discrimination, and funnel tax dollars via vouchers to private schools (which are exempt from anti-discrimination laws).
The common theme is Christian Nationalism.
Think it can’t happen here? Look at the Republican platforms.
The national platform would expand voucher-like programs. It says that racism and gender issues, among other subjects, are “Leftwing propaganda” and teaching them is “inappropriate political indoctrination.” It says that the First Amendment allows praying and reading the bible in school. It supports closing the Department of Education.
Allegedly to “protect Religious Liberty,” it supports the right to act in accordance with religious beliefs “not just in places of Worship, but in everyday life” and supports a “new Federal Task Force on Fighting Anti-Christian Bias that will investigate all forms of illegal discrimination, harassment, and persecution against Christians in America.” It also calls to reverse Biden’s “radical rewrite” of Title IX education regulations.
Regarding so-called “Anti-Christian Bias” and to paraphrase Andrew Seidel, vice president of Strategic Communications for Americans United for Separation of Church and State: Coming for their privilege is not coming for their rights.
Think this won’t reach Maine? It already has. The state platform aligns with the national one. It defines marriage as one man and one woman. It believes in the “sanctity of human life — from conception to natural death.” It supports faith-based family resources.
It opposes policies that promote “… agendas which undermine individual accountability in favor of a focus on any class, gender, or race (e.g. Critical Race Theory)” — showing either ignorance or fear of what CRT really is.
Rep. Michael Lemelin’s use of religious imagery last spring shows how these views have already entered the Maine Legislature. He said that the Lewiston shootings were divine revenge for “immoral” laws, and that the bill being discussed was “inspired by Lucifer himself.” He’s entitled to his religious beliefs, but this shows why a Wall of Separation is a good idea. The notable silence of certain Republicans about this shows where their support lies. Fortunately for democracy, the House Speaker stepped in.
Research the candidates. If you’re not registered to vote, register.
Then vote.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
