Religious Attacks Have No Place in a Public Office Campaign

Madison, WI — Like the United States Constitution, the Wisconsin Constitution prohibits religious tests for public office. In a startling display of anti-Christian bigotry, Bruce Murphy in a recent online article for the Urban Milwaukee website, would nevertheless disqualify Justice Daniel Kelly and Judge Jennifer Dorow from serving on the Wisconsin Supreme Court because they attended the same Christian law school.

Mr. Murphy does not, however, deem the other candidates (one who attended a Catholic law school and the other a Baptist minister) disqualified on the basis of their religious affiliations. Why the double-standard? Mr. Murphy does not explain but based on the transparently liberal political beliefs he shares with the other candidates; it appears he will excuse their religiosity for political ends.

While there are many legitimate criteria by which the voters will judge the candidates for Wisconsin Supreme Court—judicial philosophy, judicial records, and experience (among others)—the good people of Wisconsin will rightly reject attacks on the candidates’ religious beliefs and practices.

Mr. Murphy makes it sound as if it is “radical” to be Christian. He insults not only Christians, but people of all faiths, by attacking candidates for public office because of their religion. Formulated in an ignorant, elitist silo, Mr. Murphy’s views are not only antithetical to values cherished by the people of Wisconsin, they are categorically un-American.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.