Religious Liberty Is a Sacred Right

America’s constitutionally protected religious liberties are under attack. Time and time again, we’ve witnessed these liberties targeted, threatened, and abused by liberal policies, politicians, and judges in the name of “equality.” Citizens United, and our half million members across the nation, are fed up defending a right that shouldn’t need defense. But, we must defeat the Left’s war on religion, which is why we support H.R. 2802 – The First Amendment Defense Act.

The First Amendment to the Constitution is crystal clear on the issue of religious liberty in America. However, the recent 5 to 4 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges makes immediate passage of this act absolutely essential.

In argument before the Supreme Court, U.S. Solicitor General Verrilli told Justice Alito that religious institutions holding a fundamental belief in the traditional definition of marriage could very well lose their tax-exempt status if the Court voted to recognize gay marriage.

Verrilli stated: “It’s certainly going to be an issue.” Now that the misguided ruling has been handed down, this most critical issue has moved to the forefront and must be immediately addressed. The federal government must not be able to discriminate against individuals and institutions because of their religious beliefs. Millions of Americans believe, as Citizens United does, that marriage is the union of one man and one woman. The freedom to abide by religious beliefs such as this must be protected in the United States of America.

I agree wholeheartedly with the Act’s recognition that “Protecting religious freedom from Government intrusion is a Government interest of the highest order. Legislatively enacted measures advance this interest by remedying, deterring, and preventing Government interference with religious exercise in a way that complements the protections mandated by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.”

I also concur in the Act’s finding that “Laws that protect the free exercise of religious beliefs and moral convictions about marriage will encourage private citizens and institutions to demonstrate tolerance for those beliefs and convictions and therefore contribute to a more respectful, diverse, and peaceful society.”

If we don’t support and pass H.R.2802 – The First Amendment Defense Act now, we will only see more attacks on religious liberty as time goes on. The livelihoods of religious business owners across the country are at risk. For example, Oregon bakery owners were fined $150,000 for refusing to bake a cake for a lesbian wedding because of their religious beliefs.

In Lyncourt, New York, another couple sued a bed and breakfast for refusing to host their same-sex wedding. This is completely unacceptable and against the most important beliefs a person can posses. Liberal logic: argue in support of same-sex marriage because it’s their “right,” meanwhile, they strip away the rights of those who live out their religious belief in traditional marriage. It’s not about equality. It’s an attempt to remove religion from society.

There’s a common distortion that our society faces today: liberals think religion is another word for judgment and bigotry. Don’t let their progressive mindset distort what we know to be true.  We must protect this fundamental right. It’s imperative that we don’t stand idly by. Instead, let’s act with passion and strength through the power of representation.

Call you Member of Congress. Tell them to support H.R. 2802 – The First Amendment Defense Act.