On July 12th, the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform will hold a hearing for the First Amendment Defense Act. This bill would essentially allow individuals to legally discriminate against LGBTQ+ people using the excuse of religious freedom.
The legislation would allow discrimnation against LGBTQ+ people in employment, mental health care and other social services (such as emergency shelter), employment, housing, and in many other ways. LGBTQ+ individuals could be turned away from homeless shelters, substance abuse treatment programs, and any other institution that receives federal grants or contracts. Individuals that work for the government could refuse to do tasks such as processing Social Security checks and tax returns. Individuals and businesses would also be able to start lawsuits if they felt as if they had been forced to approve of the LGBTQ+ community and if they win, receive compensation from taxpayer contributions.
Unfortunately, the committee is made up of likely supporters. Please tell the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to CANCEL the hearing and instead uphold equality for the LGBTQ+ community.
Dear Members of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform,
As you all know, the committee will hold a hearing for the First Amendment Defense Act on July 12th. Unfortunately, this would legalize discrimination in the name of religious freedom. Beyond just allowing those that "disagree" with the LGBTQ+ community to refrain from serving them, this would put up barriers for the LGBTQ+ community in employment, housing, social services like emergency shelter, and even health care. Anyone with a federal grant could refuse service to LGBTQ+ individuals, including substance abuse treatment centers and homeless shelters. Similarly, government employees would be able to refuse services to LGBTQ+ individuals, such as refusing to process their tax returns or Social Security checks.
This could have devastating consequences for the LGBTQ+ community. Please cancel this hearing and uphold equality for all, including the LGBTQ+ community.
Thank you for your time.
