The Secular Coalition for America (SCA) – a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization whose purpose is to amplify the diverse and growing voice of the nontheistic community in the United States – has released a document titled “2012 Presidential Candidate Scorecard.” The Communications Manager of the SCA, Lauren Anderson Youngblood, writes, in an e-mail sent to those who receive alerts from the SCA, “The scorecard includes the major candidates of both the Republican and Democratic parties and reviews their stances on issues important to nontheistic Americans like you, as well as all Americans who support a robust separation of church and state.”
The scorecard states, “In 2012, voters will make a decision that will have a profound effect on our country: who will lead America through the year 2016. During a time when secular values are under constant attack by any religious leaders and political candidates, the Secular Coalition for America presents the 2012 Presidential Candidate Scorecard.”
Candidates – Bachmann, Gingrich, Huntsman, Obama, Paul, Perry, Romney and Santorum -- were ranked in various categories on the scorecard including attitude toward nontheists; church and state separation; taxpayer funding of religion; God, faith and governance; endorsements and associations; accepts evolution; scientifically based regulations and legislation religious discrimination; and civil rights and religious refusal laws.
A rank of “A” in any given category translates to the candidate's remakes and/or actions being consistently positive, a “B” means neutral or occasionally positive, a “C” indicates mixed with positive and negative responses, an “F” grades the candidate as consistently hostile or negative and a “N/A” indicates unable to verify or not enough information to rate.
“Of the three leading Republican candidates,” the e-mail notes, “former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and U.S. Representative Ron Paul received mostly negative scores, while former U.S. Representative and Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich received a grade of “F” in almost every category. U.S. Representative Michelle Bachmann, Texas Governor Rick Perry, and former U.S. Senator Rick Perry also received almost exclusively negative grades in most categories. Former Utah Governor and Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman and President Barack Obama received mixed positives.”
Within a page titled “Secular Coalition Fails Most 2012 Presidential Candidates on Religiously Intrusive Issues,” Herb Silverman -- president of the SCA -- says “While voters will choose a candidate based on many issues, we hope this scorecard will help voters make a more informed decision. We will continue to hold all out politicians accountable to the constitutional mandate for separation of church and state.”
The SCA will publish an updated scorecard closer to the November 2012 election in order to compare the Republican and Democratic party nominees, vice presidential running mates and any notable third-party candidates.
More information about the Secular Coalition for America, including the scorecard in its entirety, can be found on theie website.
Comments