Freedom of Religious Garb

To:  Oregon State Representative Jeff Barker

Below is a draft of proposed language to repeal the pre-existing and current discriminatory garb laws.

Whereas ORS 342.650, which upholds the Ku Klux Klan endorsed Garb Act of 1923, and Section 4 of SB 786-A, discriminate against Oregonians’ religious freedom. Whereas ORS 342.650 and the Garb Act of 1923 are outdated and antiquated and do not reflect the views of today’s Oregonians. Whereas Section 4 of SB 786-A excludes religious minorities from exercising freely their religious beliefs and practices. Whereas the pre-existing law and current bill are in violation of our federal and state constitutions (which guarantee freedom of religious observance). Whereas the wearing of religious garb (such as turbans, headscarves, yarmulkes and the like) by school employees is not an establishment of religion nor an object of proselytization, but merely an observance of religious mandate. Whereas the pre-existing laws originated from Ku Klux Klan anti-Catholic rhetoric and bigotry. Whereas the pre-existing laws and Section 4 of current SB 786-A, do and will have the effect of restricting qualified and talented religious minorities from pursuing a career in public teaching. Whereas 48 other states do not currently have any legislation prohibiting such religious garb from being worn in public schools. Whereas Oregonians pride themselves in supporting progressive legislation and embracing diversity. Whereas ORS 342.650, which upholds the Garb Act of 1923, and Section 4 of SB 786-A are ill-spirited, discriminatory and unconstitutional;

It is hereby proposed that ORS 342.650, the Garb Act of 1923, and Section 4 of SB 786-A (and any statutes implementing Section 4 of SB 786-A) be abrogated and rescinded by implicit repeal.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Freedom of Religious Garb Petition to Oregon State Representative Jeff Barker was created by and written by Sharia Mayfield (sharia19@hotmail.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.