Comments similar to those made by religious right extremists

A press release from Equal Partners in Faith, 28 April 2004   [4-28-04]

In interviews given to CNN and other news agencies, top Presidential advisor Karen Hughes compared pro-choice Americans to "the terrorist network we fight." According to Hughes, Americans who support Bush's efforts to restrict choice in reproductive health care do so because "after September 11, the American people are valuing life more and we need policies to value the dignity and worth of every life." She then went on to say, "The fundamental issue between us and the terror network we fight is that we value every life."

"It is totally outrageous and irresponsible for one of the President's top advisors to compare pro-choice Americans to terrorists," said Dr. Sylvia Rhue, Director of Equal Partners in Faith. "In relation to the issue of reproductive freedom, the only terrorists we know about are the ones on the far right who bomb clinics and murder doctors."

"These remarks by Karen Hughes are totally unacceptable," said Betty Hutton, Communications Director for Equal Partners in Faith. "They not only reflect the animosity that this Administration has towards women and personal freedom, but also mirror the views and values of extremists within the Religious Right."

Leaders of the Religious Right have made remarks about pro-choice Americans similar to those voiced by Ms. Hughes. For example, Randall Terry recently denounced those participating in the March to Save Women's Lives, comparing them to the Nazi supporters of Adolph Hitler. Appearing on CNN Sunday Morning, Terry said, "These celebrities who have attached their names to this, their names are going to have a certain amount of shame with it. Remember, Adolf Hitler in the mid '30s had really big crowds and had a lot of famous people saying he was a great guy. It didn't do him much good in 1945."

Likewise, just after the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001, Religious Right leader Jerry Falwell proclaimed, "The abortionists have got to bear some burden for this," and then said, "I point the finger in their face and say you helped this happen."

"The Bush Administration obviously shares the extreme views of the Religious Right," said Dr. Rhue. "That's the only thing that can explain why a top presidential advisor would compare patriotic pro-choice Americans--many of whom are people of faith--to 'the terror network we fight.'"

EQUAL PARTNERS in FAITH is a multi-racial national network of religious leaders and people of faith committed to equality and diversity. Our diverse faith traditions and shared religious values lead us to affirm and defend the equality of all people, regardless of religion, race, ability, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity. As people of faith, we actively oppose the manipulation of religion to promote inequality and exclusion.

[4-19-04]

"Equal Partners in Faith is proud to be a co-sponsor of the April 25 March for Women's Lives, that will take place in Washington, DC," said Dr. Sylvia Rhue, director of Equal Partners in Faith. "We encourage supporters and friends of EPF to join us in demonstrating our support for a woman's right to choose."

The time is right for a public demonstration of historic size in support of abortion rights and reproductive freedom. Women's rights are under attack, and Roe v. Wade hangs by a thread in the Supreme Court. People are encouragedto assemble on the National Mall at 10:00am. The march will step off at 12:00 noon, and the rally will begin at 1:00pm on the main stage (near 3rd Street, in front of the Capitol).

"Progressive people of faith believe women are intelligent and moral beings, fully capable of making personal decisions regarding birth control and abortion," said Dr. Rhue. "Therefore we reject the stealth Religious Right tactics that would undermine a woman's ability to control this important part of her life."

Progressive people of faith are encouraged to help build the momentum needed to preserve reproductive freedom. There is also a need for volunteers.

Check their website for details:  www.marchforwomen.org