Bill would provide $100 million for security at houses of worship

By Kevin Eckstrom

Religion News Service

WASHINGTON - A bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled a $100 million bill April 1 that they say would help protect "soft targets" such as churches and synagogues from terrorist attacks.

The High-Risk Non-Profit Security Enhancement Act would open $50 million in government grants to allow hospitals, theaters and houses of worship to increase security.

The money could not be spent on routine security systems that are "reasonably necessary due to nonterrorist threats," but instead for concrete barricades, shatter-proofing windows and fortifying entrances.

An additional $50 million would be available for local police departments to provide additional security to areas with high concentrations of at-risk targets, such as hospitals, schools or museums.

"It's not a question of if, but when, where and at what magnitude our charities ... will face a very catastrophic event," said Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn. "That is the reality."

The bill has attracted support from major Jewish organizations and officials said they will seek similar backing from Christian and Muslim groups.

Supporters said the bill protects the separation of church and state by delivering money to middleman contractors who will install the new security measures, and not directly to fund faith-based groups.

"This is no different than government providing fire and police protection to private institutions, whether religious or not," said Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., a leading critic of President Bush's faith-based initiative, but a supporter of the security bill. "No money is going directly to a faith-based institution."

Under the plan, applicants would apply first to state homeland security agencies. If they are deemed "high risk," their application would be sent to the federal Department of Homeland Security, which would make the final decision.

In order to be considered "high risk," organizations must demonstrate a threat from international terrorism, show the "symbolic value of the site as a highly recognized U.S. cultural or historical institution" and be the destination for at least 100 people per month or 500 people per year.

Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, major landmarks like Washington National Cathedral have increased security and vigilance, particularly at heavily attended events such as holidays or public services.

While high-profile sites like St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York might seem to be natural recipients for the aid, supporters said the more vulnerable targets are Jewish community centers that service children, the elderly and families.

"Al-Qaida has made very specific threats against Jewish sites around the world, so there's definitely a feeling of vulnerability," said Chuck Konigsberg, vice president of public policy for United Jewish Communities, an umbrella group for 156 Jewish local federations.