Your Urgent Action is Needed on the First Amendment Defense Act

Responding to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling last month legalizing same-sex marriage, U.S. Representative Raul Labrador (R-ID) has introduced the First Amendment Defense Act (H. R. 2802).

H.R. 2802 protects religious freedom by prohibiting the federal government from punishing churches, charities or private schools for actions in opposition to same-sex marriage.

For example, the government could not revoke the tax exempt status of a church that refuses to perform a same-sex wedding because of their religious beliefs. It could not deny federal grants or contracts to any individual or institution (such as food banks or adoption agencies) that don’t believe in same-sex marriage.

And it will protect Christian radio and television stations that are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to use the public airwaves. Already there are those who are urging the FCC to revoke licenses and shut them down.

Many Republicans say they hope to pass the bill before they head home and face constituents at August town hall meetings, but they need your voice to get other legislators to jump on board and move it quickly!

Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), who controls the floor schedule, has given no indication he’ll schedule a vote in the remaining three weeks before the House leaves town for the long August recess.

McCarthy needs to hear from your representative, but it won’t happen unless your representative hears from you today!

Please, TAKE ACTION NOW!  Click HERE to email your U.S. Representative to ask them to support AND co-sponsor H. R. 2802.  

Of Illinois’ 18 Congressional members, only two have stepped up to co-sponsor this important legislation: U.S. Representatives Dan Lipinski (D-Chicago) and Randy Hultgren (R-Campton Hills).

More ACTION:  After sending your email, please take a moment to personally call your representative’s office via the Capitol switchboard: (202) 224-3121. Urge them to co-sponsor H.R. 2802. Elected officials have repeatedly said it only takes a few phone calls from voters in their district to move an issue to the top of their priority list.