Saturday, October 15, 2005
Pepper Hamilton Attorneys Comment on Dover and Role of Religion
The religious views of Eric Rothschild and Stephen G. Harvey, partners at the law firm Pepper Hamilton which is representing the plaintiffs in the Dover intelligent design trial now being heard in U.S. District Court in Harrisburg, are featured in an article by Gina Passarella, "Intelligent Design Case Puts Spotlight on Pepper Hamilton Lawyers," in the Legal Intelligencer.
Although -- as in Dover -- simple-minded supporters of intelligent design creationism invariably accuse their opponents of being atheists -- it's part of their strategy -- those who oppose efforts to break down the barrier between church and state most often do so to defend the right of all faiths to practice their beliefs without government interference.
Unsurprisingly, this is also the case with the Pepper Hamilton attorneys:
"I'm a big believer in our civil liberties," said Rothschild, a practicing Jew. "As a member of a minority religion I am particularly sensitive to the problem of when a government tries to introduce a particular religion in a public place or a public school."
Harvey, a Roman Catholic, said he is very pro-religion, but also has strong views on separation of church and state. "We're never going to be able to agree on religion," he said. "I don't see any real good if it's in the public sphere." Religion in the private sphere, however, flourishes, Harvey said.
Although -- as in Dover -- simple-minded supporters of intelligent design creationism invariably accuse their opponents of being atheists -- it's part of their strategy -- those who oppose efforts to break down the barrier between church and state most often do so to defend the right of all faiths to practice their beliefs without government interference.
Unsurprisingly, this is also the case with the Pepper Hamilton attorneys:
"I'm a big believer in our civil liberties," said Rothschild, a practicing Jew. "As a member of a minority religion I am particularly sensitive to the problem of when a government tries to introduce a particular religion in a public place or a public school."
Harvey, a Roman Catholic, said he is very pro-religion, but also has strong views on separation of church and state. "We're never going to be able to agree on religion," he said. "I don't see any real good if it's in the public sphere." Religion in the private sphere, however, flourishes, Harvey said.
