We warned you recently that a legislative proposal being considered in the "lame duck" Congress poses a significant threat to religious liberty. The Respect for Marriage Act seeks to codify same-sex marriage, but it is written so broadly that many legal scholars believe it endangers Christian churches, schools and other religious institutions if they continue to defend the biblical view of marriage as one man and one woman.
Its supporters, including all 50 Democrats and 12 Republicans, claim there are religious liberty protections in the bill. Major religious groups strongly disagree. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has offered an amendment that defends religious liberty. He and 20 other Republican senators are asking the Senate to not advance the Respect for Marriage Act unless it includes this religious liberty amendment. Senator Lee said, "The free exercise of religion is absolutely essential to the health of our Republic."
The legislation is facing another critical vote on Monday, November 28th, and these 12 senators could make the difference. The first seven senators are the most likely to be persuaded to protect religious liberty. If they represent you, please call them now!
1. Roy Blunt (MO)
2. Richard Burr (NC)
3. Shelley Moore Capito (WV)
4. Joni Ernst (IA)
5. Cynthia Lummis (WY)
6. Dan Sullivan (AK)
7. Todd Young (IN)
8. Susan Collins (ME)
9. Lisa Murkowski (AK)
10. Rob Portman (OH)
11. Mitt Romney (UT)
12. Thom Tillis (NC)
Action Item: Call the Capitol Hill switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Ask to be connected to your senator's office. Tell the aide who answers that you expect your senator to support the Lee Amendment on H.R. 8404 to protect religious liberty. Otherwise, they should oppose the so-called Respect for Marriage Act if it does not include the Lee Amendment.