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State of the Union Speech Includes Two References To U.S. Religious Diversity

By Howard M. Friedman

President Obama's State of the Union address last night (full text) contained two references to religious affiliation of Americans.  The first was in connection with U.S. efforts to prevent al-Qaeda attacks:

And as extremists try to inspire acts of violence within our borders, we are responding with the strength of our communities, with respect for the rule of law, and with the conviction that American Muslims are a part of our American family.

The second reference was in the President's remarks on the recent repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell":

Our troops come from every corner of this country ? they are black, white, Latino, Asian and Native American. They are Christian and Hindu, Jewish and Muslim. And, yes, we know that some of them are gay. Starting this year, no American will be forbidden from serving the country they love because of who they love. And with that change, I call on all of our college campuses to open their doors to our military recruiters and the ROTC....

Full post as published by Religion Clause on January 26, 2011 (boomark / email).