The Fairness for All Act uses faith to endanger LGBTQ Americans
“Right to discriminate” legislation further endangers marginalized communities.
Following the introduction of the Fairness for All Act by Rep. Chris Stewart (R-UT), Rabbi Jack Moline, President of Interfaith Alliance, released the following statement condemning legislation that creates a license to discriminate against LGBTQ+ Americans under the guise of religious freedom:
“Across faith traditions, Americans remain united in the belief that all people deserve equal treatment under the law. In this spirit, the Constitution offers protection to faith communities to exercise their right of belief. However, to allow the private beliefs of any citizen to compromise the rights of other citizens under the law is a violation of the Constitution.
“The Fairness for All Act does just that by creating a ‘right to discriminate’ in the name of religion. So-called carve-outs for religious exemptions in commerce, family definition, medical care or other legal and legally-defined benefits of citizenship are, by any other name, a repudiation of the very principles of equality that are foundational to the United States. Once an individual or a society seeks to participate in the public civic life of America, all citizens must be protected from the imposition of beliefs and practices that run counter to the law of the land, which is the law.
“We urge the Senate to take up the bipartisan Equality Act, which passed in the House earlier this year, to ensure the members of the LGBTQ+ community are afforded the same constitutional rights as their neighbors.”
If you are interested in speaking with Rabbi Moline, please reach out to Ari Geller at ageller@westendstrategy.com or 202-776-7700. We would be happy to put you in touch for comment.
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Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit www.interfaithalliance.org.