Policy | Family Talk

Defending Religious Freedom

Written by Gary Bauer | March 13, 2024
JDFI President Joe Waresak recently joined more than two dozen conservative, pro-family organizations in urging House Republicans to take a stand for religious liberty by adopting legislation sponsored by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX).

As Congress considers the latest round of appropriations bills to fund the government, Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) is sponsoring an amendment to protect the religious freedom of Americans and faith-based organizations that believe marriage is the union of one man and one woman.

Rep. Roy's "Marriage Amendment" would prevent the federal government from discriminating against any individual simply on the basis of their deeply held religious belief that marriage is the union of one man and one woman. It would also prevent the federal government from attempting to repeal the tax-exempt status of any faith-based organization due to their views on marriage.

In a nation founded on the belief in religious liberty, it is unfortunate that such legislation is even necessary. But with states now legally required to recognize same-sex marriage, we are seeing growing legal risks and repercussions for those who still believe in marriage as God ordained it.

For example, some Christian ministries have been forced to stop providing adoption services in several states because they believe children deserve a mother and father. Christian business owners are being prosecuted for refusing to participate in same-sex weddings. Fire chaplains, who serve the needs of firefighters, are losing their jobs for expressing their support for the biblical view of marriage.

JDFI applauds the efforts of Rep. Roy to protect the religious liberty rights of Christians and faith-based organizations, and we urge all House Republicans to support the Roy "Marriage Amendment."