UCA News
Contribute

Congressmen quarrel over God

Row over bill banning religious symbols in state offices heats up
Congressmen quarrel over God
Published: June 18, 2012 12:15 PM GMT
Updated: June 18, 2012 12:15 PM GMT

A ruling Liberal Party congressman who claims to be a devotee of the Black Nazarene, a life-sized sculpture of Jesus Christ carrying the cross, has criticized opposition lawmaker Raymond Palatino for proposing a law that would ban religious symbols and ceremonies in government offices. Roilo Golez yesterday accused Palatino, a Kabataan Party congressman, of being an atheist and violating the constitution after introducing the Religious Freedom in Government Act in Congress. “How this measure will help build a just and humane society is beyond me,” Golez said, citing the president’s oath of office that ends with the phrase "so help me God." Palatino, who says that he and his family are Catholics, defended the bill by arguing that the state must remain neutral when it comes to religion despite the Philippines’ Catholic majority. “The state cannot be seen to favor one religion over the other,” he said, adding that the proposed act would help to defend freedom of religion in the Philippines. “It is not my intention to offend any religion and to ban God,” he added. The bill as it stands would ban religious ceremonies, events and symbols from government offices and their perimeters.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia