US Bishops Back Marriage and Religious Freedom Act

Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, and Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, have given their strong support for the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act (H.R. 3133) introduced last week in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Raúl Labrador.

“This non-discrimination bill is significant, indeed, very important,” said Archbishop Cordileone. “It would prevent the federal government from discriminating against religious believers who hold to the principle that marriage is the union of one man and one woman. This is of fundamental importance, as increasingly such individuals and organizations are being targeted for discrimination by state governments – this must not spread to the federal government.”

Archbishop Lori agreed and added, “I strongly support the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act. In a growing climate of intolerance against individuals and organizations who believe that marriage is the union of one man and one woman, this Act is an important step in preserving their religious liberties at the federal level.”

“Among the many protections in this bill, the federal government would not be able to deny individuals and organizations a grant, contract, or employment because their belief that marriage is the union of one man and one woman is informed by their religious faith,” Archbishop Lori added. Both Archbishop Cordileone and Archbishop Lori urge members of the House of Representatives to join in supporting the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act.

More information on the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act is available atwww.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/marriage/promotion-and-defense-of-marriage/marriage-and-religious-freedom-act-backgrounder.cfm.