Catholic League Calls for Investigation: Tony Perkins Excluded at Air Force Prayer Bkfst

'The decision to silence Tony Perkins, an ordained minister and Marine veteran, represents political correctness at a dangerous level.'

P>WASHINGTON, DC (Catholic League) - Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, was scheduled to speak today on February 25, 2010 at a National Prayer Luncheon at Andrews Air Force Base.

But the invitation was withdrawn by the chaplain´s office because Perkins has spoken out in favor of the military´s "Don´t Ask, Don´t Tell Policy."

Addressing this issue is Catholic League president Bill Donohue:

"The decision to silence Tony Perkins, an ordained minister and Marine veteran, represents political correctness at a dangerous level.

"There are legitimate reasons to accept and reject the current policy regarding gays in the military. No one, therefore, should be censored from speaking at any private or public forum—much less a military installation—because of his or her views on this subject.

"While the most immediate issue is the blacklisting of Perkins, the larger issue is the "chilling effect" this decision will have on the free speech and religious liberty rights of all those who serve in the military, especially clergymen.

"As a religious leader, and as a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, I am doubly troubled by this outrageous decision. Accordingly, we will call for an investigation of this matter.

"The damage to Perkins cannot be undone, but steps can certainly be taken to ensure that something like this never happens again.

"I will now contact Major General Darrell D. Jones, Commander of the Air Force District of Washington, at Andrews Air Force Base asking for a probe into this matter. It is important that the Public Affairs Office at Andrews hear from Catholic League members about this very disturbing issue.

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The Catholic League is the nation's largest Catholic civil rights organization. Founded in 1973 by the late Father Virgil C. Blum, S.J., the Catholic League defends the right of Catholics – lay and clergy alike – to participate in American public life without defamation or discrimination. It is led by its' President, William A. Donohue, Ph.D.