The GOP Reach-Around on Gay Marriage

[DonViejo]

Matt Laslo

Republicans in Congress are pushing a bill to bar states from ‘discriminating’ against people who don’t want to serve gay people. But at least one U.S. senator says this all started with a ruling on interracial marriage more than 30 years ago.

The Supreme Court may have legalized gay marriage nationwide, but conservatives see an opening for a good ole fashioned attempt to reach around those black robes.

There’s a groundswell of support in Republican ranks on Capitol Hill over a piece of legislation that would shield religious individuals, businesses and institutions from extending gay couples the equal rights the Court just extended them.

The legislation, dubbed the First Amendment Defense Act, would prohibit the federal government from “discriminating” against anyone whose “religious belief or moral conviction” confines them to viewing marriage as between one man and one woman.

“Our bill ensures that no federal agency will target organizations or individuals who believe marriage is between one man and one woman,” said Rep. Raul Labrador (R-Idaho), the bills lead sponsor in the lower chamber. “For example no group should lose its tax exempt status because of its views on marriage. All Americans should be free to believe and act in the public based on their beliefs about marriage without fear of government retaliation or penalty.”

More than 130 House Republicans along with 35 Senate Republicans are pushing the proposal. For most supporters, the Court’s sweeping ruling far from settles the issue.

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http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/07/20/the-gop-reach-around-on-gay-marriage.html