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Kentucky security law violates Constitution, says Reform leader

By Eric Fingerhut · December 2, 2008

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- A law establishing Kentucky's Office of Homeland Security violates the First Amendment of the Constitution, according to a Reform Jewish leader.

In a letter to Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear (D), Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism director Rabbi David Saperstein noted that the 2006 law establishing the office states that the executive director shall stress "the dependence on Almighty God as being vital to the security of the Commonwealth,” and that a plaque bearing that statement be publicly displayed. That violates both the Kentucky State Constitution as well as the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, wrote Saperstein.

"By asserting 'The safety and security of the Commonwealth cannot be achieved apart from reliance upon Almighty God,' the statute distracts from real homeland security challenges by focusing instead of religious beliefs," said the letter. "Furthermore, by mandating a declaration of God's power as protector of the state as a job requirement, these provisions amount to government sponsored religious discrimination."