What Is Patrick Leahy's Religion?

The incumbent U.S. senator from Vermont and Democrat Patrick Leahy is seeking re-election against Republican Len Britton. As part of a Politics Daily series providing background about the major candidates in 2010, here are some answers to frequently asked questions about his life.

What is Patrick Leahy's religion?

Leahy is Roman Catholic.

Where does Patrick Leahy worship?

Leahy worships in St. Andrews in Waterbury, Vt. and Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Washington, D.C.

Was Patrick Leahy born a Roman Catholic, or did he convert?

Leahy was born a Roman Catholic, to an Irish Catholic father and an Italian Catholic mother.

What has Patrick Leahy said about religion?

There is little or no material on specific religious comments by Leahy. He has been rated at 100 percent for keeping church and state separate and rejects school-prayer initiatives. He is considered one of the most liberal members of Congress. He is pro-Israel, but seeks accountability. He spoke out against the discrimination and human-rights violations against the Baha'i in Iran. His record on principles and values and families and children is available at OnTheIssues.

What is Patrick Leahy's position on the mosque planned near the World Trade Center?

Leahy supports the right of people to build the community center near ground zero, saying that the controversy was "unfortunate, since the country was founded on religious freedom. It may be popular to jump on this, but it should never be popular to have our First Amendment freedom of religion apply to some religions and not others. That's not the American way." He pointed out that for years there has been a mosque close to the site where the Pentagon was attacked on 9/11.

What is Patrick Leahy's position on abortion?

Leahy has generally supported abortion rights, rejecting proposals to limit minors or those stationed on military bases from having the procedure performed. NARAL Pro-Choice America rates him at 50 percent, with a mixed record on abortion rights -- no "partial-birth abortions" unless mother's life is in danger. He supports family planning and stem cell research.

What is Patrick Leahy's position on gay marriage?

Leahy originally voted for the national ban on gay marriage, but then changed his mind. He is considered one of the more gay-friendly senators in Congress; he supports the legalization of gay marriage and reducing discrimination against gays and lesbians, and he called for the domestic partners of federal employees to receive the same benefits as heterosexual couples.

Does Patrick Leahy have any other near-religious followings?

Leahy is also a devoted Deadhead -- a fan of the Grateful Dead -- as well as a devotee of Batman. He once couldn't take a call from the president because he was on stage with The Dead. He played himself in a cameo in the Batman movie "The Dark Knight."

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Latest Patrick Leahy News and Information

Read Patrick Leahy's full bio on his website.