ACLJ Urges Pentagon Drop Anti-Christian Advisor

The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) says it just doesn't make sense for the Pentagon to look to an anti-Christian extremist to guide its policy on religious freedom.
The ACLJ has written a letter to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel asking him to rethink the Pentagon's use of Mikey Weinstein of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF). The letter points out that the views of Weinstein and his organization don't line-up with Supreme Court opinions on "permissibly religious expression."
Secretary Hagel was asked directly in the letter to discontinue using Weinstein as a consultant on religious tolerance.
"Mikey Weinstein's beliefs and statements are not only offensive, but clearly represent the vehement intolerance that our military should reject," said Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the ACLJ.
"To use him as an advisor in crafting policy for religious tolerance is absurd," Sekulow continued. "Without question, he's among the world's worst candidates to advise Pentagon officials on religious matters. This extremist has no business advising the Pentagon on any matters -- much less the critically important need to protect the religious freedom of our men and women serving in the military."
The ACLJ went on to point out that Weinstein has a known record of disdain for Christians and colorful language in describing them. The letter said he has called Christians "monsters," "pitiable unconstitutional carpetbaggers," "bigots," "hate groups" and worse.
"While he claims to be in pursuit of religious tolerance, he readily defames those who disagree with him and accuses them of all manner of evil activities," the letter stated. "In truth, Mr. Weinstein's disagreement is with the beliefs held by those he targets, beliefs that he frequently misunderstands and misstates and beliefs he periodically mocks."
The ACLJ has heard from nearly 70,000 people who are petitioning the Obama administration to cut ties with Weinstein. They agree Weinstein is basically intolerant of Christians and is trying to get the Pentagon to adopt his position.
The letter concluded, in part, to say Weinstein isn't working for religious freedom at all.
"In light of the facts and law presented above, it is clear that Mr. Weinstein and the MRFF do not represent views or pursue policies that enhance religious tolerance. Mr. Weinstein advocates extreme positions, which he defends with intemperate and ill-considered arguments. He is an extremist who sees constitutional violations where none exist. He is the last person who should be consulted in developing a balanced policy on religious expression in the armed forces of the United States."