State Lawmaker's 'Biblical Basis For War' Manifesto Criticized

SPOKANE, WA - State Rep. Matt Shea, well-known in Washington for his extreme views, is facing criticism over a document he wrote that describes how to wage a holy war. Shea's "Biblical Basis For War" states that the enemy "must surrender" by stopping abortion, same-sex marriage, communism, and bowing down to "Biblical law."

"If they do not yield - kill all males," the manifesto states.

Shea has defended the document as a summary of Old Testament teachings. But the document has caused backlash. According to the Spokesman-Review, the Northwest Credit Union Association took back $1,000 from Shea's reelection campaign. Another donor, BNSF, distanced itself from Shea.

"The views expressed in the manifesto do not in any way reflect BNSF’s values. We are monitoring this situation closely as law enforcement investigates," the company wrote on Twitter.

Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich - a Republican - was so disturbed by the document, he gave a copy to the FBI.

The "Biblical Basis For War" document surfaced last week, drawing instant media attention. Shea responded to criticism in a video on Facebook.

Shea has represented the 4th Legislative District in Spokane Valley for five terms. During that time, he's attracted attention for other controversies.

In August, he was heard calling journalists "dirty" and "godless." Shea also wants Eastern Washington to secede and become a new state called "Liberty." Last spring, Shea spoke about Liberty at the Douglas County Republicans Lincoln Day Dinner. Republican Congressional candidate Dino Rossi was at the event, but a spokesperson has said that Rossi does not support Shea's secession idea.

On Saturday, Shea will speak at a "prophetic conference" featuring attorney Stephen Pidgeon, a birther and opponent of same-sex marriage.

A Rolling Stone story about Shea came out on Oct. 23, detailing the lawmaker's deep connections to hard-right groups like Oath Keepers and Coeur d'Alene's Lordship Church, listed as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Despite those connections, the story reports, Shea remains popular and keeps getting elected.

Shea is competing against Democrat Ted Cummings in the 2018 election. Even with the backlash over the holy war manifesto, Shea had out-raised Cummings by about $70,000, according to state records.

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