A bill introduced in the U.S. Congress by two democrats called the “Do No Harm Act” is designed to limit the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) by specifying that religious exceptions should not apply to “protections against discrimination or the promotion of equal opportunity” and “access to, information about, referrals for, provision of, or coverage for, any health care item or service.” It is designed to “clarify that no one can seek a religious exemption from laws guaranteeing fundamental civil and legal rights,” say supporters.
That’s the gender identity agenda coming through. Religious exemptions under the law, should it be passed, would not allow Christian businesses or health care providers to seek exemptions in hiring practices, health care, or other services from anyone for any reason related to their gender identity, sexual orientation, etc.
The bill emphasizes that RFRA should not be interpreted to “authorize an exemption from generally applicable law that imposes the religious views, habits, or practices of one party upon another” or authorize “an exemption from generally applicable law that imposes meaningful harm, including dignitary harm [harm to one’s dignity], on a third party.”
RFRA currently says that “government shall not substantially burden a person’s exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability” unless it is demonstrably “in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest” and is the “least restrictive means.”
“The Religious Freedom Restoration Act has become a vehicle for those seeking to impose their beliefs on others or claim that the tenants of their faith justify discrimination,” said Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D-Mass.) one of the sponsors of the bill.
“The Do No Harm Act will restore the balance between our right to religious freedom and our promise of equal protection under law,” he argued. In reality the Do No Harm Act would severely restrict religious freedom of Christian business owners and health care providers.
The bill’s supporters, including the usual suspects, make it clear that they are aiming at forcing Christian businesses to violate their owner’s conscience by the passage of this bill. “The bill, if enacted, could undo some of the damage caused by the Hobby Lobby decision,” said The Freedom From Religion Foundation. Planned Parenthood, the National Abortion Federation, NARAL Pro-Choice America, and the Human Rights Campaign also praised the legislation.
“No religious tradition has as a central tenet or core belief that you should deny services to someone because of their gender identity or sexual orientation,” said Rep. David N. Cicilline (D-RI), co-chair of the Equality Caucus. “The Do No Harm Act makes clear that religion can never be used as a legal justification for discrimination against LGBT individuals.”
“With the Do No Harm Act, RFRA could no longer be invoked to justify discrimination, denial of health care, or other harms,” said Louise Melling, deputy legal directory of the American Civil Liberties Union. “We at the ACLU are proud to stand in support of this legislation.”
The men of the city are surrounding the house by legal means.
“But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter…” Genesis 19:4