A Map Of Religious Right Influence

Wonder what might come out of a White House backed by the religious right? Take a look in your backyard. The religious has substantial control over the GOP apparatus in at least 31 states. In the last year alone, 42 states have passed or proposed elements of the religious right’s agenda, from gutting public school funding to censoring the Internet.

Anti-Public Education. Many conservative activists hope to dismantle public education in America. They strongly support school voucher proposals, which pull funds away from public schools. The right also opposes education standards and legislation to improve public schools (such as the federal Goals 2000 program), advocates schools prayer intiatives, and seeks to eliminate sex education.	Anti-Free Speech. Conservatives are vigorously attacking materials with sexual content in the newsstand and on the Internet. In several states, the right has taken steps to curb artistic freedom of expression.	Anti-Gay. The religious right aims to overturn existing anti-discrimination statutes that protect gay citzens. Tactics include cutting education funds to gay programs, barring recognition of same-sex marriages, and preventing gays and lesbians from adopting children.

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Map Illustration by Philip Krayna, Dave McFarland