Republican Rep. E. Werner Reschke is a member of the National Association of Christian Lawmakers. (Amanda Loman/Oregon Capital Chronicle)
A conservative Oregon lawmaker suggested earlier this month that Muslims, atheists and other non-Christians are unfit to serve in elected office.
State Rep. E. Werner Reschke, R-Malin, made the remarks Jan. 17 , in an appearance on “Save The Nation.” Streamed on Facebook, the daily talk show is affiliated with the National Association of Christian Lawmakers, of which Reschke is a member. It bills itself as taking on “major public policy issues facing the United States today from a Christian worldview.”
The show’s host, former Arkansas lawmaker Jason Rapert, spent much of the 28-minute episode asking Reschke about what he called the “sad reality of the lax treatment of drugs” in Oregon. Reschke, who has repeatedly pressed for a repeal of 2020′s Ballot Measure 110, responded that drug decriminalization has driven homelessness and crime, and “makes our state unlivable.” The Klamath County legislator criticized Democrats for permissive policies, and argued that spirituality and church leaders are a necessary part of the solution.