BOS to Reconsider “Christian Heritage Month” Proclamation

(InEDC) BY Cris Alarcon
Published: September 11, 2023

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors in California is facing opposition and calls for their recent proclamation of July as “American Christian Heritage Month” to be rescinded. The proclamation, which passed with a 4-1 vote, has sparked concerns among community members and civil liberties groups who argue that it violates the separation of church and state.

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One concerned resident, Joann Abram, expressed her dissatisfaction with the proclamation, stating that it does not represent the diversity of the county. The opposition has been growing in numbers, with an online petition garnering approximately 650 signatures. Additionally, Supervisor Brooke Laine, who originally voted in favor of the proclamation, now regrets her decision and hopes to convince the board to rescind it.

Supervisor John Hidahl, who introduced the proclamation, argued that the United States was founded on Christian principles and values. However, critics argue that the resolution goes beyond acknowledging Christian history and instead promotes a specific religious belief.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Northern California has sent a letter to the board objecting to the resolution, citing its violation of the California Constitution. They have requested that the board either rescind the resolution or remove the word “Christian” from it. The separation of church and state is a fundamental principle protected by the state’s constitution.

Rabbi Evon Yakar of Temple Bat Yam, a Reform congregation in South Lake Tahoe, expressed his dismay at the proclamation, noting that it “others” him and his community. The Freedom From Religion Foundation, a national organization advocating for the separation of church and state, also sent a letter to the board, linking the resolution to a broader movement known as Project Blitz, which aims to legislate Christianity.

Laine and Yakar both see the resolution as part of a larger pattern of behavior from the county government. Laine highlighted the disbandment of the county’s human rights commission and the elimination of anti-bias training for public servants as other concerning actions.

Laine plans to bring up the proclamation at the board meeting on September 19th and hopes to convince the board to rescind it. She believes that the resolution is divisive and serves no legitimate purpose. Recognizing that some constituents support the proclamation, Laine asserts that beliefs should not be injected into politics.

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors sent a letter to the ACLU on September 13th, thanking the organization for its concern and stating that they will discuss rescinding the proclamation at their upcoming meeting. The board meeting is scheduled for September 19th.

Also see 9-19 vieo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9_lvJY6h0s