Religious Freedom Bill Promoted in Congress

Two Illinois members of Congress have joined as sponsors of legislation to protect citizens who believe in natural marriage from religious discrimination by the government. U.S. Representatives Randy Hultgren (R-Geneva) and Daniel Lipinski (D-Chicago) have signed on as co-sponsors of the measure, known as the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act (H.R. 3133). This bill was introduced by U.S. Representative Raul Labrador (R-ID) on September 19, 2013.

Should it become law, the bill would prohibit the federal government from taking any adverse action against any person because that person believes that “marriage is or should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman, or that sexual relations are properly reserved for such marriage.”

Much of the impetus for the bill was prompted by actions by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to harass non-profit Christian and conservative organizations who support traditional values. The bill would prevent the IRS from denying or revoking tax exemptions or deductions due to a person or group’s advocacy for traditional marriage.

Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council, commended the legislators for their action:

“This bill affirms that the federal government cannot target a person for their religious views in support of traditional marriage. Congress needs to make clear that federal authorities cannot punish individuals for their religious beliefs.”