Civic

Sikh Outcry Against Religious Symbols Ban Surprises Government Officials

January 7, 2004

Source: The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/12/international/europe/12FRAN.html

On January 7, 2004 The New York Times reported on the French Sikh community's request of an exemption for their turbans from to the preposed ban of religious symbols in public schools: "The Sikhs' outcry so late in the game has stunned and dismayed French officials and experts involved in the commission. 'Why didn't the Sikhs come forward, why didn't they protest...

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United Sikhs Launch Campaign Against Proposed French Ban of Religious Symbols

January 6, 2004

Source: The Times of India

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/406775.cms

On January 6, 2004 The Times of India reported, "United Sikhs, a Sikh organisation has launched a global signature campaign for people of all faiths to appeal French President Jacques Chirac to reconsider his call for legislation to ban wearing articles of faith, religion and ethnic identity in public schools and regulate their wearing at workplace...The signed petitions would be...

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The Law on Holiday Decorations

January 4, 2004

Source: CNN

http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/01/01/findlaw.analysis.hamilton.decorations/

On January 4, 2004 CNN published an article in its FindLaw column setting out the rules on holiday decorations and discussing the larger meaning, and prescience, of the Court's jurisprudence in this area. The article explains that "the Establishment Clause, of course, prohibits the government from endorsing a particular religion... But suppose a display sweeps more...

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CA Islamic Center Aids Iranian Quake Victims

January 4, 2004

Source: Contra Costa Times

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/7631118.htm

On January 4, 2004 the Contra Costa Times reported that 200 people gathered at Islamic center in Oakland for an interfaith service for victims of the earthquake in Bam, Iran. Speakers came from Temple Sinai and Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church in Oakland, the Islamic center and the Oakland Coalition of Congregations. In the past week, the Islamic center has raised $86,000 as well as...

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Sikhs Request Exemption from Proposed Ban of Religious Symbols

January 3, 2004

Source: The Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A50831-2004Jan2.html

On January 3, 2004 The Washington Post reported, "France's tiny Sikh community is seeking help from India's Hindu prime minister to have Sikhs' traditional turbans exempted from a planned French law to ban Muslim head scarves and other religious symbols from schools. Chain Singh, spokesman for about 5,000 Sikhs, said he was contacting Prime Minister Atal Bihari...

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French Sikhs Request Help from Indian Prime Minister in Opposing Ban of Religious Symbols

January 2, 2004

Source: The Telegraph-Calcutta

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040103/asp/nation/story_2746423.asp

On January 2, 2004 The Telegraph-Calcutta ran a Reuters article that reported, "France’s tiny Sikh community is seeking help from Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to have their turbans exempted from a planned French law to ban Muslim headscarves and other religious symbols from schools. Chain Singh, spokesman for about 5,000 Sikhs here, said...

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Rhode Island Courthouse Sees Religion... Again

January 2, 2004

Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/0104/02barrow.html

On January 2, 2004 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported, "Another religious display has been set up in the Barrow County Courthouse. The latest display includes alternate versions of the Ten Commandments, Hindu stories, Buddhist teachings, excerpts from the Quran and writings defining agnosticism. It has been placed across a breezeway from a Ten Commandments...

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Rally Against French Ban on Headscarves in CA

December 31, 2003

Source: Contra Costa Times

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/7605012.htm

On December 31, 2003 the Contra Costa Times reported, "Bay Area Muslims joined others around the country Tuesday to protest the French government's proposal to ban the wearing of 'conspicuous' religious clothing such as Muslim head scarves and Jewish skullcaps in public schools. Rallying in front of the French Consulate in San Francisco, 15 women wearing the head covering,...

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Opinion: Democrats Shouldn't Let Republicans Have Monopoly on Religion in Politics

December 30, 2003

Source: Tikkun

http://www.tikkun.org/index.cfm/action/current/article/209.html

On December 30, 2003 Tikkun ran a column by Jim Wallis, editor of Sojourners magazine, on the role of religion in the 2004 presidential election. Wallis writes, "An overwhelming majority of Americans consider themselves to be religious. Yet according to the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, people who attend church more than once a week vote Republican by 63...

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Thousands of Muslims Gather at Chicago Conference on Islam

December 26, 2003

Source: The Muslim American Society

http://www.masnet.org/news.asp?id=778

On December 26, 2003 The Muslim American Society issued a press release regarding the annual four-day Muslim American Society (MAS) and Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) convention in Chicago. This year's convention, entitled "Muslims: Citizens of the West: Rights, Duties and Prospects," attracted several thousand Muslims, and emphasized political participation and action. Participants were briefed on...

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North Texas Sikh Center Honored

December 25, 2003

Source: The Dallas Morning News

http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/stories/122503dnedixmas.ae71d.html

On December 25, 2003 The Dallas Morning News included the Irving Sikh Center in a list of those making a difference during the holiday season. The temple, headed by Dr. Sohan Singh, holds a charity drive each November to coincide with the birthday of Guru Nanak. The temple conducts charity work at homeless shelters, holds food...

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Florida Opens America's First Faith-Based Prison

December 25, 2003

Source: Beliefnet

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/137/story_13779_1.html

On December 25, 2003 Beliefnet reported, "Nearly 800 inmates from 26 faiths attended the dedication ceremony of what Gov. Jeb Bush called the nation's first faith-based prison - a facility focused on encouraging the spirituality of inmates of all faiths. Along with regular prayer sessions, the Lawtey Correctional Institution will offer religious studies, choir practice, religious counseling and...

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Lieberman Calls for Greater Role of Religion in Public Life

December 23, 2003

Source: The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/24/politics/campaigns/24TRAI.html

On December 23, 2003 The New York Times reported, "Senator Joseph I. Lieberman of Connecticut called on Tuesday for strengthening the role of religion in public life and took a veiled swipe at Howard Dean, who has run a steadfastly secular campaign. 'I know that some people believe that faith has no place in the so-called public square,' said Mr. Lieberman, an...

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Muslim Leader Praises Islam in America

December 23, 2003

Source: The St. Petersburg Times

http://www.sptimes.com/2003/12/23/Hernando/Islamic_leader_praise.shtml

On December 23, 2003 The St. Petersburg Times reported, "The leader of the nation's largest Islamic group told local Muslims on Sunday that tolerance for other faiths and respect for women has made Islam in America a model for the rest of the Muslim world. Sayyid Syeed, secretary general of the Islamic Society of North America, also said America's...

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