State Senator Dan Debicella (R-21) recently joined other legislators and community activists in stopping a bill that he said “would be a clear violation of First Amendment separation of church and state” by having Connecticut state government dictate governance of the Roman Catholic Church.
The legislation was SB-1098, An Act Modifying Corporate Laws Relating to Certain Religious Corporations. The bill would force the Roman Catholic church to elect boards of directors to manage their parishes’ finances, and provide the state Attorney General with broad powers to investigate their church finances.
Senator Debicella said, “I believe this bill is an inappropriate invasion of religious freedom. No religion should have its governance dictated to it by state government. Religious freedom is one of the cornerstones of our democracy, and SB-1098 clearly violates the separation of church and state. All religions should have the right to govern themselves as their clergy and parishioners see fit—not have decisions forced on them by politicians in Hartford.”
The bill was introduced by the Judiciary Committee chairmen, State Senator Andrew MacDonald (D-Stamford) and State Representative Michael Lawlor (D-East Haven). They said they introduced the bill in response to alleged corruption in Roman Catholic church finances in lower Fairfield County.
“Government should of course fight corruption in any non-profit organization,” said Debicella. “But this legislation was putting out a candle with a fire hose. We should not be targeting individual religions with legislation, but strengthening prosecution of those who embezzle money—no matter what organization they belong to.”
Because of widespread opposition from legislators and Roman Catholic parishes around the state (including those in Shelton, Stratford, and Monroe), the legislation has been withdrawn.
“We had a real victory not only for Roman Catholics, but for all religions in Connecticut,” said Debicella. “If this bill had passed, it would have set a dangerous precedent for state government interference in private religious matters.” |
