After tonights meeting this is the current version to be placed before the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of Maryland. If you have not done so please visit their website at uulmmd.org/ and then join and support our efforts on this important issue at the UULM-MD 2015 Annual Legislative Meeting Sunday January 17 at 9:00 AM at UUCA: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO MARYLAND CONSTITUTION (1867) DECLARATION OF RIGHTS A. Whereas: The Constitution of Maryland (1867) Declaration of Rights Article 36 states “nor shall any person, otherwise competent, be deemed incompetent as a witness, or juror, on account of his religious belief; provided he believes in the existence of God, and that under His dispensation such person will be held morally accountable for his acts, and be rewarded or punished therefor either in this world or in the world to come”; B. Whereas: The Constitution of Maryland (1867) Declaration of Rights Article 37 states that no religious test ought ever to be required as a qualification for any office of profit or trust in this State, other than a declaration of belief in the existence of God…; C. Whereas: The Supreme Court of United States in 1961 in Torcaso v Watkins decided by unanimous decision that “This Maryland religious test for public office unconstitutionally invades freedom of belief and religion and therefore cannot be enforced” reversing the judgment of the Court of Appeals of Maryland and reaffirming “that neither State nor the Federal Government can constitutionally force a person to profess a belief or disbelief in any religion, pass laws or impose requirements which aid all religions as against non-believers, or aid those religions based on a belief in the existence of God as against those religions founded on different beliefs”; D. Whereas: The Constitution of Maryland (1867) Article XIV Section 1 provides that “Amendments to the Constitution of Maryland for the general purpose of removing or correcting constitutional provisions which are obsolete, inaccurate, invalid, unconstitutional or duplicative” may be adopted by three-fifths vote of the two Houses, followed by approval by the public in general election; E. Whereas: Unitarian Universalists affirm and promote seven Principles, which grew out of the grassroots of our communities, were affirmed democratically, and are part of who we are; F. And Whereas: The Constitution of Maryland (1867) Declaration of Rights aforementioned Articles 36 and 37, as currently worded, violates several of these Principles including “a free and responsible search for truth and meaning, acceptance of one another in our spiritual growth, justice equity and compassion in human relations, the right of conscience in society at large, and the inherent worth and dignity of every person”; A. Therefore, Be It Resolved: That the UU Legislative Ministry of Maryland work in coordination with other like-minded groups in Maryland to have the Maryland General Assembly and Public amend the Constitution of Maryland Declaration of Rights Article 36 striking: “provided he believes in the existence of God, and that under His dispensation such person will be held morally accountable for his acts, and be rewarded or punished therefor either in this world or in the world to come”, and, as amended, reading: …nor shall any person, otherwise competent, be deemed incompetent as a witness, or juror, on account of his or her religious belief”; B. And Be It Further Resolved: That the UU Legislative Ministry of Maryland similarly work in coordination with other like-minded groups in Maryland to have the Maryland General Assembly and Public amend the Constitution of Maryland Declaration of Rights Article 37 striking “other than a declaration of belief in the existence of God;” and, as amended, reading: “that no religious test ought ever to be required as a qualification for any office of profit or trust in this State...
Posted on: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 05:44:16 +0000