Blumenthal Statement on Doug Collins' Religious Intolerance Task Force at VA

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today released a statement slamming Secretary Doug Collins' establishment of an Anti-Christian Bias Task Force at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).<_o3a_p>

"While religious discrimination must be forbidden and fought, this internal VA memo lacks any factual basis or rationale. It raises the specter of dividing the veteran community and favoring some religions over others. Since our nation's birth, veterans have fought and died to preserve our freedoms- including to live free from religious intolerance or interference by government. The First Amendment ensures that all religions and faiths are treated equally, with full freedom of worship. The government should be vigilant never to endorse or favor one religion above others. All veterans deserve equal respect and dignity."

Collins sent out an all-employee email today announcing the establishment of the Task Force, and requesting all VA employees submit names, dates, and locations of anti-Christian discrimination.