Religious objections to the ‘Equality Act’: is this the worst case scenario for religious freedom?
Religious leaders are concerned about the Equality Act, which is expected to take place in the House because it does not provide for religious objections, and some warn that it may prohibit standing up for traditional views on marriage. Could it violate the core principle of religious freedom? Here to debate were former Obama adviser Christopher Hale and Shane Idleman, chief pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in California.
Three House Republicans on Thursday broke up with their colleagues and supported the Equality Act, which Conservatives describe as an assault on religious freedom.
Rep. Tom Reed, RN.Y., John Katko, RN.Y., and Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., All joined the more than 200 Democrats who oppose the legislation. In total, the bill passed with a vote of 224-206.
The controversial legislation is expected to move through the Senate with difficulty, although the White House has promised to sign it, if possible.
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“Today, I once again supported the adoption of the Equality Act, a bill that creates a uniform federal standard to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity,” Katko was quoted as saying by The Hill.
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The bill seeks to amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the Equal Credit Opportunities Act, and the Jury Selection and Services Act.
“We stand firm against discrimination in any form. During my tenure in Congress, we fought to ensure that everyone was treated fairly, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation,” Katko said.