Now that elections are over, Congress has entered into a lame duck session where they will try to pass as much legislation as possible before the new Congress takes office in January.
One of these pieces of legislation takes direct aim at religious liberty. The “Respect for Marriage Act” would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which defined marriage as being between one man and one woman.
After the Supreme Court’s Obergefell and Windsor decisions however, DOMA has already effectively been repealed. As a result, the Respect for Marriage act would have no real effect on the state of marriage in America.
The real consequence of this bill would be the effect it has on people of faith and religious institutions.
This bill deliberately seeks to attack religious individuals and institutions who believe marriage is between one man and one woman. It would allow the IRS, which is hiring 87,000 more agents, to revoke the tax-exempt status of churches who hold fast to traditional marriage.
Religiously affiliated adoption centers and foster care providers would be forced to close down for the same beliefs.
And small business owners who choose to only support traditional marriage would be able to be sued under this law.
Not only that, but Congress shouldn’t be passing ANY controversial bills in a lame duck session to begin with. The Respect for Marriage Act was passed by a House of Representatives whose leadership was just rejected by the American people. Only the new Congress should be allowed to legislate on such matters.
Grassroots activists like you need to TAKE ACTION. Call your representative NOW and tell them to stand up for religious liberty.
Thank you for your activism.
Janae Stracke Director of Grassroots Heritage Action