Religious leaders protest signing of detainee & torture bill today

The Washington Region Religious Council Against Torture is protesting this morning as our not-so-beloved president signs the Millitary Commissions Act. Among many other dangerous providions, the bill suspends habeas corpus and allows George W. Bush to define what constitutes torture.

Protestors are gathering in front of the White House at 9 a.m.

The Council notes:

Any policies that permit torture, inhumane treatment and indefinite detention are shocking and morally intolerable. Lack of judicial oversight allows torture, abusive treatment and unjustifiable detention to continue without challenge.

Torture violates the basic dignity of the human person that all religions hold dear. It degrades everyone involved - policy-makers, perpetrators and victims. It contradicts our nation's most cherished ideals.

Among the speakers at the event are:

• Rabbi Gerald Serotta, Temple Shalom, Chevy Chase, Maryland; Rabbis for Human Rights; National Religious Campaign Against Torture
• Rev. Scott Alexander, River Road Unitarian Church, Bethesda, Maryland
• Rev. Dr. Janet Parker, Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ, Arlington, Virginia
• Rabbi Arthur Waskow, Shalom Center
• Bill Goodman, Center for Constitutional Rights

The signing of his bill marks a very sad day for the United States.

Some of In This Moment's previous coverage of the bill can be found here and here.