CO-SPONSORSHIP of the First Amendment Defense Act (H.R. 2802)

CO-SPONSORSHIP of the First Amendment Defense Act (H.R. 2802)

The First Amendment Defense Act (H.R. 2802), introduced by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Rep. Raul Labrador (R-Idaho), would prevent the federal government from discriminating against any individual or group, whether nonprofit or for-profit, based on their beliefs that marriage is the union of a man and woman or that sexual relations are reserved for marriage. That protection would extend to tax policy, employment, licensing, accreditation, contracting and grants.

Unfortunately, the need for this legislation is real. The Obama administration's Solicitor General Donald Verrilli admitted during Supreme Court oral arguments that religious schools may lose their tax-exempt status for continuing to affirm marriage as the union of a man and a woman if the Supreme Court redefines marriage. Those involved in the wedding industry, including photographers, florists, and reception hosts have been hauled into court for declining to use their artistic talents to participate in same-sex wedding ceremonies. And faith-based adoption agencies in Massachusetts, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. have been forced to end foster care and adoption services rather than abandon their belief that children do best with a married mother and father.

To be clear, the First Amendment Defense Act simply protects religious liberty and the rights of conscience. Americans are free to live and love how they choose and everyone should respect the intrinsic dignity of all human beings. The bill simply affirms that the federal government respects the rights of individuals, businesses, and organizations that wish to act in accordance with their beliefs about marriage, without taking away federally funded benefits or services from anyone.

Heritage Action supports the First Amendment Defense Act and will include CO-SPONSORSHIP of the legislation on our legislative scorecard.