Contact: Christian Defense Coalition, 202-547-1735, 540-538-4741 cell

WASHINGTON, April 10 /Christian Newswire/ -- The enactment of Senate Bill 5 would force Christians to pay for the destruction of innocent life as part of embryonic stem cell research in direct violation to their faith tradition.

S. 5 would also force every taxpayer to contribute to "bad science," since non-embryonic stem cell research has shown far more promise.

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, comments, "Millions in the faith community believe that destroying embryos, through embryonic stem cell research, is the tragic taking of innocent human life.  In light of this, it is extremely disturbing that the United States Senate would seek passage of a bill that would force Christians to pay for embryonic stem cell research with public tax dollars.  This shows utter contempt and disdain by the United States Senate for people of faith.  And let it be made very clear, supporters of this legislation can no longer consider themselves friends to historic Christianity.

"What makes S.5 even more troubling is the fact that embryonic stem cell research is such 'bad science.'  The overwhelming body of evidence has indicated that stem cells derived from sources other than embryos have shown far more promise.  And, private funds may still be used to fund embryonic stem cell research without forcing citizens to fund the destruction of innocent human life.

"By passing S.5, the Senate is trampling and crushing the consciences of millions of Christians, Orthodox Jews and Muslims and forcing every American to fund junk science." 

For more information or interviews call:

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 202.547.1735    Cell:   540.538.4741