New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HR15

Introduced
1/12/23  
Refer
1/12/23  

Caption

Relative to affirming support against the establishment of a state religion.

Impact

If adopted, HR15 would underscore legal interpretations relevant to the intersection of modern ideological movements and constitutional freedoms. Specifically, it aims to clarify the distinction between enforced state ideologies and the rights of individuals to hold and express their beliefs. By framing Marxism as a religion, the bill might influence future legal cases related to freedom of expression and the separation of church and state, drawing the line on what constitutes acceptable political thought versus religious doctrine.

Summary

House Resolution 15 (HR15) addresses concerns regarding the establishment of a state religion by asserting that Marxism constitutes a religion in itself. The bill defines Marxism alongside various ideologies and critiques its principles as fundamentally opposed to the founding ideals of the United States. It emphasizes that while individuals may endorse Marxism, the doctrine contradicts the establishment clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits the government from establishing a state religion.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HR15 appears to be polarized. Proponents argue that the resolution is a necessary assertion of American values, aiming to protect the country from ideologies they perceive as oppressive or against individual freedom. Opponents, however, might view the resolution as an attempt to undermine legitimate socio-political discourse in favor of a monolithic ideological perspective, suggesting that labeling Marxism as a religion serves to discredit a substantial body of critical thought.

Contention

A notable point of contention with HR15 is its broad characterization of Marxism, which critics argue could lead to the suppression of legitimate academic and political discourse. Detractors would likely point out that identifying a political ideology as a religion could open the door for further legislative measures that restrict freedom of speech under the guise of protecting cultural and political identities. This presents a complex interaction between the preservation of individual freedoms and the pushback against ideologies perceived as antithetical to the foundational principles of democracy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB1153

Relative to mandatory and elective public school curricula.

NH HR554

Affirming the nature and importance of the support of the United States for the religious and ethnic minority survivors of genocide in Iraq.

NH SR52

A resolution recognizing religious freedom as a fundamental right, expressing support for international religious freedom as a cornerstone of United States foreign policy, and expressing concern over increased threats to and attacks on religious freedom around the world.

NH SR569

A resolution recognizing religious freedom as a fundamental right, expressing support for international religious freedom as a cornerstone of United States foreign policy, and expressing concern over increased threats to and attacks on religious freedom around the world.

NH HCR6008

Affirming, supporting, and defending certain principles, values, and goals.

NH HCR135

Affirming the nature and importance of the support of the United States for Syria.

NH SCR3

A concurrent resolution affirming the importance of religious freedom as a fundamental human right that is essential to a free society and protected for all people of the United States under the Constitution of the United States, and recognizing the 237th anniversary of the enactment of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.

NH SB2803

Relating to the inclusion of an understanding of communist regimes, ideologies and history and their connection to DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) and anti-racist initiatives in the essential knowledge and skills for the social studies curriculum for public school students.

NH SR424

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States Government engage the Government of India to seek a swift end to the persecution of, and violence against, religious minorities and human rights defenders in India and a reversal of government policies that discriminate against Muslims and Christians on the basis of their respective faiths.

NH SCR45

A concurrent resolution affirming the nature and importance of the support of the United States for Syria.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.