Democrats outraged at GOP bill they say would protect employers who fire unmarried pregnant women

WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Rep. Raúl Labrador (R-ID), last week reintroduced legislation to clarify and strengthen religious liberty protections in federal law, by safeguarding those individuals and institutions who promote traditional marriage from government retaliation. The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Rod Blum of Iowa – who represents Worth and Mitchell counties – among many other Republicans.

The First Amendment Defense Act (S. 1598, H.R. 2802) would prevent any federal agency from denying a tax exemption, grant, contract, license, or certification to an individual, association, or business based on their belief that marriage is a union between a man and a woman. For example, the bill would prohibit the IRS from stripping a church of its tax exemption for refusing to officiate same-sex weddings.

“There’s a reason the right to religious liberty appears first in our nation’s Bill of Rights,” said Senator Lee. “The freedom to live and to act in accordance with the dictates of one’s conscience and religious convictions is integral to human flourishing, serving as the foundation upon which America has produced the most diverse, tolerant, and stable society the world has ever known. The vast majority of Americans today still hold a robust view of religious liberty, yet across the country the right of conscience is threatened by state and local governments that coerce, intimidate, and penalize individuals, associations, and businesses who believe that marriage is a union between a man and a woman. The First Amendment Defense Act is necessary to ensure that this kind of government excess never occurs at the federal level.”

“Religious freedom is at the heart of what it means to be an American,” Labrador said. “America set the standard for upholding freedom of belief and worship in a diverse society. No American should ever doubt these protections enshrined in the First Amendment. Our bill ensures that the federal government does not penalize Americans for following their religious beliefs or moral convictions on traditional marriage. Our bill shields against federal intrusion without taking anything away from anyone. In a shifting landscape, it’s time that Congress proactively defend this sacred right.”

Democrats cried foul, however, as pressure is reportedly mounting to call the bill for a vote, soon.

“Republicans have introduced a bill that will allow employers to fire an employee for being LGBT or an un-married pregnant woman,” Democrats said in a campaign mailer. “Currently, there are protections in place that prevent an employer from firing people due to a simple disagreement with the way they live their lives. Republicans want to REMOVE that protection, allowing bosses to fire employees if they ‘disapprove’ of their choices or values. Make no mistake – this bill could have disastrous effects on Iowa women and families.”