The Devil's in the Details
A bill set to be voted on TODAY in the SC House sparked a fiery debate last week.
"The Pray Safe Act" provides government grants (up to $750,000 of taxpayer cash) to qualifying “private religious organizations” for safety improvements. With the rise in attacks on churches and synagogues from gunman, arsonists, and left wing protestors this may seem like a reasonable solution.
However, the devil is in the details.
Notwithstanding the obvious questionable use of taxpayers funds for private organizations, this bill allows the government to decide which religious organizations qualify and which don’t—picking winners and losers.
In order to qualify a religious institution must be “at risk of being subject to a religiously motivated crime.” Sound familiar? This is very similar language to the Hate Crimes legislation which we thwarted just last year.
But the bill goes further outlining how the government will make this determination—
Shootings, arson, and vandalism can’t be predicted. These random acts of violence can happen anywhere to anyone. Tasking the government to determine victimhood and criminal intent in allocating grants is exceedingly problematic.
Wondering where such a flawed bill originated? None other than the Democrat-controlled Domestic Relations (formerly named “Family Law”) Subcommittee, Chaired by Planned Parenthood darling, Rep. Beth Bernstein (D-Columbia). You may remember us repeatedly calling out her appointment to this powerful position controlling family legislation in SC.
Critiques of the bill have pointed out that its usage of the term “religious organizations” may go far beyond the house of worship conjured up in your mind when you hear “Pray Safe Act.” Islamic Centers and even satanic temples or satanic clubs could qualify.
When Freedom Caucus member Rep Josiah Magnuson (Spartanburg) questioned giving government funds to these organizations, the bill’s Democrat sponsor blasted conservatives—”your ideology is probably why they need a grant for extra protection.”
The left believes they know how best to spend your money and has contempt when you ask questions.
Think the idea of “Church of Satan Clubs” ridiculous? Only 4 months ago the Chairman of the Dorchester County Democratic Party called for these clubs in every public high school in response to the wave of Turning Point USA chapters opening in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Oftentimes good intentions lead to bad public policy. Funding organizations with taxpayer dollars that are destroying society is indefensible.
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