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He also opposes Bush's Faith-Based Initiative, saying it promotes discrimination. "The elimination of laws against discrimination based on faith beliefs entirely from the system is a huge mistake," he told The Interfaith Alliance. "I mean, it creates a special category that allows people to discriminate based on religious beliefs. … In addition to that, those who receive service from faith-based groups and faith-based institutions shouldn't be required to abide by a particular faith in order to receive those services."

He has earned a 100% ratings from the National Abortion Reproductive Rights Action League, Human Rights Campaign, and Planned Parenthood, with 0% ratings from the National Right to Life Committee, Family Research Council and (in 2003) the Christian Coalition (though he scored slightly higher with conservative Christian groups before 2003 and with Gary Bauer's Campaign for Working Families in all years). The independent National Journal gave him an 85% rating on liberal social policies, and a 0% on conservative social policies. Bread for the World, however, rated Edwards at 100%.

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins wasted no time in responding to the Edwards announcement, calling the Kerry-Edwards campaign "a solidly pro-abortion team," and saying both candidates "have a history of opposing judicial nominees simply because of their deeply held religious beliefs."

Expect other Christian organizations and religious leaders to respond in the coming days.

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July (Web-only) 2004, Vol. 48