Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Ala. Gov. Apologizes for Remarks on Christians; ADL Says Remarks Called for Christian Conversion

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley apologized today (January 19, 2011) for his inauguration day remarks about only Christians being his brothers and sisters, and said he would work over the next four years for people of all faiths and colors, according to the Associated Press website.

Bentley -- a former Southern Baptist deacon -- said, "If anyone from other religions felt disenfranchised by the language, I want to say I am sorry. I am sorry if I offended anyone in any way," Bentley said today.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) -- a Jewish group that fights discrimination -- said it sounded like Bentley was using the office of governor to advocate for Christian conversion.

"If he does so, he is dancing dangerously close to a violation of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which forbids government from establishment of any religion," ADL regional director Bill Nigut said.

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