The Senate passed the so-called Respect for Marriage Act on Tuesday, without any of the three amendments that conservatives sought to protect religious freedom and rights of conscience.
The bill, which writes gay marriage into federal law and repeals key parts of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), carves out protection for churches that object to hosting same-sex weddings but will unleash a rash of litigation and violates constitutional religious liberty protections, conservatives argue. Critics of the bill say Christian schools and other faith-based nonprofits are left legally vulnerable under the act, as well as private business owners, government employees and others who hold Biblical marriage views.
“This is a discouraging development in our country’s storied history of protecting the free exercise of religion,” Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), said following the vote. “While I’m disappointed that my amendment was not included, I remain committed to preserving the religious liberties enshrined in our Constitution for all Americans.”Sen. James Lankford (R-Oklahoma) said following the vote: “The Respect for Marriage Act isn’t about equality. It’s about making some people’s rights more important than others. I voted against this bill because it will lead to violations of Americans’ constitutional right to live their faith.”
“People of faith will neither forget today’s vote nor despair. Rather, they will recommit to protecting our constitutional right to religious liberty and defending those who will face legal challenges and attacks in the wake of the Senate’s action,” Roger Severino, vice president of domestic policy at The Heritage Foundation, said via Twitter.