Religious Groups Hold White House Counter-Event: Decry Torture Bill Signing

Monday, October 16, 2006

RELIGIOUS GROUPS MOURN AS PRESIDENT CELEBRATES
People's Signing Statement Rejects Military Commissions Act of 2006

What: As President Bush hosts a signing ceremony to celebrate the speedy enactment of the Military Commissions Act of 2006, legislation that deeply shames America, the Washington Region Religious Campaign Against Torture will hold a vigil to mourn the attack this legislation wages on basic American and religious values. Religious leaders stand together against the legalization of torture and severe abuse, provision for unlimited detentions, denial of habeas corpus, creation of kangaroo courts, and retroactive pardons of individuals for gross violations of U.S. law.

· A coffin will call attention to the death of some of our most cherished values.

· A choir will sing hymns, and religious leaders of different faiths will speak.

· The People's Signing Statement will be presented to the White House during which some participants are prepared to commit acts of civil disobedience in order to deliver the People's Signing Statement to the President.

When: Tuesday, October 17th, 9:00 a.m.

Where: In front of the White House on the Lafayette Park side.

Who: The Washington Region Religious Campaign Against Torture (www.wrrcat.org), in coordination with the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, the Shalom Center, the Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International, the Center for Constitutional Rights, PeaceAction Montgomery, Rabbis for Human Rights, and many others.

CONTACT: Linda Gustitus, 202-363-3928, linda.gustitus@verizon.net