Bill Seeks to Protect Religious Freedom for Those That Affirm Traditional Marriage

By: American Decency Staff

Rep. Raúl Labrador (R-Idaho) is sponsoring a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that would guarantee that no person or group could lose their tax exempt status for affirming traditional marriage, or opposing the redefinition of marriage.

The Marriage and Religious Freedom Act has, at the time of this publication, 75 co-sponsors. Most of them are Republican, but at least two Democrats, Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-N.C.) and Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.), are also co-sponsoring the bill.

If enacted, no individual or institution could lose tax-exempt status for believing or advocating that marriage should only be between one man and one woman. Many religious institutions in the United States are non-profits and have a tax-exempt status under the U.S. tax code.

In explaining his reasons for the bill, Labrador cited the words of President Barack Obama, from when Obama announced he changed his position on same-sex marriage.

"Regardless of your ideology, we can all agree about the importance of religious liberty in America," Labrador said Thursday. "Our bill will protect freedom of conscience for those who believe marriage is the union of one man and one woman. This is not a Republican or Democrat issue. As President Obama said, 'Americans hold a wide range of views' on marriage and 'maintaining our nation's commitment to religious freedom' is 'vital.' We agree."

Read More: http://www.christianpost.com/news/bill-seeks-to-protect-religious-freedom-for-those-that-affirm-traditional-marriage-105141/

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