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2008 Anti-Roe v. Wade Activities Have Secular Theme

By Howard Friedman

Tomorrow is the 35th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade. While opposition to Roe has largely been religiously-based, religion has been surprisingly absent from two national anti-abortion initiatives. First, President Bush last week declared yesterday, January 20, as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. His formal Proclamation makes no mention of religion or God, nor does it specifically mention abortion. It makes reference to protecting life "at all stages", but nowhere indicates when the initial stage of life is seen to begin. It rather cryptically calls on Americans "to recognize this day with appropriate ceremonies...."

Perhaps the ceremony the President had in mind is Tuesday's March for Life in Washington. The March for Life Education and Defense Fund sponsors this annual event to mark the anniversary of Roe. Its website this year makes no mention of religion, religious beliefs or God. The march's theme this year is: "Build Unity on the Life Principles Throughout America. No Exception! No Compromise!"

Full post as published by Religion Clause on January 21, 2008 (boomark / email).