BILL: Supports Christian freedom
On June 25, while the White House was lit up with Gay rainbow colors celebrating the Court’s decision on same-sex marriage, millions of stunned Christians began reviewing the Court’s opinions. Excerpts from two of the dissenting Justices’ opinions follow:
Justice Clarence Thomas — “The majority makes only a weak gesture toward religious liberty in a single paragraph. And even that gesture indicates a misunderstanding of religious liberty in our nation’s tradition. Religious liberty is about more than just the protection for religious liberty … for organizations and persons … as they seek to teach the principles that are so fulfilling and so central to their lives and faiths.”
Justice Samuel Alito — “Today’s decision…will be used to vilify Americans who are unwilling to assent to the new orthodoxy. In the course of its opinion the majority compares traditional marriage laws to the laws that denied equal treatment for African Americans and women. The implications of this analogy will be exploited by those who are determined to stamp out every vestige of dissent.”
Certain members of Congress have recognized that the Court’s decision leaves the religious community in jeopardy. Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah introduced Senate Bill 1598, the First Amendment Defense Act. Senator James Risch is a co-sponsor.
Quoting from a letter from Senator Risch, “It would prohibit the federal government from denying a tax exemption, grant, contract, license, certificate or similar provision from any group or individual because of their belief that marriage is the union of one man and one woman.”
The majority opinion does allow religious believers to advocate and teach their views on marriage; but, in the view of Chief Justice John Roberts Jr., it does not address the free “exercise” of religion. S1598 seems to address his concerns.
Unless Congress enacts this bill or similar legislation to protect the religious liberty of individuals and churches, there will be turmoil in the Bible Belt; it has already begun. If you would like to see this bill move forward, write or call Senator Chuck Grassley, Chairman Judiciary Committee, 224 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510. Phone (202) 224-5225.
LEONARD BRANT
Post Falls