FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 2022
CONTACT
Jonny Levenfeld, West End Strategy Team
jlevenfeld@westendstrategy.com; Phone: 202-704-4535
Interfaith Alliance: National Don’t Say Gay Bill Latest Example of Extremism on Religious Right
WASHINGTON—Interfaith advocates are joining the chorus of voices nationwide condemning newly introduced federal legislation that would enact a National “Don’t Say Gay” Bill. The Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, president and CEO of Interfaith Alliance, released the below statement:
“Our representatives take a sacred oath to defend the rights of all of their constituents. But under the guise of religious freedom, the Religious Right and its elected allies are waging a relentless campaign to intimidate LGBTQ+ children, parents, and educators. Fortunately, these efforts do not represent the vast majority of Americans, both religious and nonreligious, who believe in the inherent equality of all people, including the LGBTQ+ community.
“While this legislation is most certainly a cynical ploy ahead of the midterms, the damage inflicted upon LGBTQ+ people is immediate and heartbreaking. Every person deserves to live without fear of discrimination, but the elected officials pushing this bill are trying to deprive teachers and young people of that fundamental right. As people of faith and conscience, our job is to remain unwavering in our support and love for the LGBTQ+ community.”
Interfaith Alliance, a national organization devoted to protecting the integrity of both religion and democracy in America, has been a steadfast advocate for LGBTQ+ equality over decades. In recent years, the organization has filed amicus briefs and led advocacy campaigns in support of same-sex marriage, enacting federal nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people, and ensuring trans students have equal access to educational and extracurricular programming.
If you are interested in speaking further with Interfaith Alliance, please contact Jonny Levenfeld at (202) 704-4535 or jlevenfeld@westendstrategy.com.
Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.