The USCCB continues to oppose the Equality Act in Congress. The House passed the act on May 17, 2019.
Five Bishop Chairmen spoke out against it on behalf of their committees:
- Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Committee on Pro-Life Activities
- Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development
- Bishop Michael C. Barber, Committee on Catholic Education
- Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, Committee for Religious Liberty
- Bishop James D. Conley, Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage
“Our faith calls us to uphold every individual’s dignity and rights against unjust discrimination – including in employment, housing, and services – regardless of characteristics or background. Rather than offering meaningful protections for individuals, the Equality Act would impose sweeping new norms that negatively impact the unborn, health care, charitable services, schools, personal privacy, athletics, free speech, religious liberties, and parental rights. The Act’s unsound definitions of ‘sex’ and ’gender identity’ would erase women’s distinct, hard-won recognition in federal laws. Its sex-based nondiscrimination terms would end women’s shelters and many single-sex schools. It would close faith-based foster care and adoption agencies that honor children’s rights to a mother and father. The bill would even act as an abortion mandate. We must pursue justice and equality for anyone denied it; but this is a regrettable approach. We are gravely disappointed with the Act’s passage in the U.S. House.”
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