Bill Challenges Parents' Religious Rights

Indiana Republican Submits Bill That Challenges Parents' Religious Rights; Protects Government Officials who Impose Religion To: National Desk, Religion Reporter Contact: Amber Khan of The Interfaith Alliance, 202-639-6370 extension 103 or 888-941-9614 (pager)

WASHINGTON, April 2 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Legislation to "protect religious expression," quietly introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last Wednesday, could threaten parents' rights to direct religious upbringing, lead to pervasive religious discrimination by government employees and spark possible hate crimes directed towards minorities, according to The Interfaith Alliance (TIA), a national religious organization dedicated to promoting the shared values of religion in public life.

In a deceptive attempt to encourage and protect government officials who impose their religious beliefs on citizens, Rep. John Hostettler (R-Ind.) submitted "The Public Expression