By CARMEN DURLAN
The religious equality amendments proposed by Congress late last year will be discussed today in a symposium sponsored by the J. Reuben Clark Law School and BYU’s Federalist Society.
The symposium will discuss the doctrinal, political and social implication of a religious equality Amendment with questions such as, “Is religious discrimination a serious problem in the United States?” and, “What advantages and risks are entailed by solving the problem through the constitutional amendment process?”
Six guest lecturers will speak in two two-hour sessions. Among these is Walter E. Dellinger III, Associate Attorney General, United States Department of Justice.
Frederick M. Gedicks, professor of law, is excited for the Associate Attorney General to come speak. “I think it’s tremendous. It’s a real honor to the Law School,” Gedicks said.
Dellinger advises Clinton on all constitutional issues, he said.
The other speakers at the first session are John H. Garvey, a professor at Notre Dame Law School and Steven T. McFarland, director at the Center for Law and Religious Freedom, Christian Legal Society.
The second session’s speakers are: Richard F. Duncan, Sherman S. Welpton Jr. Professor, University of Nebraska College of Law; Rodney K. Smith, a professor at Capital University Law School and Sanford Levinson, W. St. John Garwood and W. St. John Garwood Jr. Centennial Chair, University of Texas School of Law.
The symposium is being held because such an amendment is important to LDS Church members, Gedicks said.
“There’s quite a bit of controversy, whether (an amendment) is necessary and its effect. (BYU) is a good place to bring some people in to talk about it,” he said.
All students and faculty are invited to attend the symposium free of charge. The first session is from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and the second session is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Both sessions will be in room 2295 of the Conference Center
