Religious leaders oppose Alabama immigration law

Hundreds of people gathered in Birmingham, Alabama, on Thursday to protest a new immigration law which was due to go into effect that day.
A federal judge has blocked the enforcement the law until September 29^th, after religious leaders filed a lawsuit saying the new law is vague and does not make it clear what activities fall under the scope of the restrictions.
According to the law, police may detain people without proper documentation who they suspect may have entered the country illegally, schools are required to ask for valid birth certificates before enrolling students, and people who hire illegal immigrants will be subject to fines.

The law also punishes people who “harbour” or “transport” illegal immigrants, which is the concern raised by religious organizations.
“We feel the First Amendment rights of the Constitution of the United States do not permit any obstruction of free expression of religion, and that includes acts of charity as well,” said Bishop Robert Baker of Birmingham, who is participating in the lawsuit.
“Attending church services could be considered harbouring,” he told Vatican Radio. “A sheriff or some other law enforcement officer could be outside the church ready to move in on the people…if the legislature itself doesn’t clarify that, it is left up to individual law enforcement officials, or any judge, to make a decision.”

Bishop Baker said if the law is allowed to go ahead as written, then “the result will be, probably inevitably, that some religious worker will face prosecution.”

Listen to full interview by Charles Collins with Bishop Baker: