'Religious freedom' bill picks up momentum in House.

[ArcadiaGP]

'Religious freedom' bill picks up momentum in House | TheHill

Pressure is mounting on House GOP leaders to call a vote this month on a religious-freedom bill banning the federal government from punishing churches, charities or private schools for actions in opposition to same-sex marriage.

The legislation, dubbed the First Amendment Defense Act, is gaining steam. Nearly 50 Republicans — including Majority Whip Steve Scalise (La.), Policy Chairman Luke Messer (Ind.) and Republican Study Committee Chairman Bill Flores (Texas) — signed on just last week, pushing the total number of GOP co-sponsors to 115.

Think this'll get as much backlash nationally that the Indy RFRA got? I'm all for protecting churches.

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

We have the 1st Amendment. Despite the errant belief about the wall of separation, it's quite clear what congress cannot do. What will this bill do that a bonafide constitutional amendment will not do? Double dog dare 'em?

 

[ArcadiaGP]

We have the 1st Amendment. Despite the errant belief about the wall of separation, it's quite clear what congress cannot do. What will this bill do that a bonafide constitutional amendment will not do? Double dog dare 'em?

There does seem to be a habit of making laws for things that are already covered by law... like Indiana trying to ban gay marriage (when it was already banned [and ironically, caused it to be unbanned]), then RFRA to protect religious entities (which was already sort of a thing)...

Lot of these laws trying to make something "double-illegal" are backfiring, and I think a national RFRA is going to be spun the same way Indiana's was.

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

There does seem to be a habit of making laws for things that are already covered by law... like Indiana trying to ban gay marriage (when it was already banned [and ironically, caused it to be unbanned]), then RFRA to protect religious entities (which was already sort of a thing)...

Lot of these laws trying to make something "double-illegal" are backfiring, and I think a national RFRA is going to be spun the same way Indiana's was.

I agree. Just uphold the constitution. All this machinations just waste time and tend to create unintended consequences.

 

[jamil]

The only purpose for these double laws is to give lawmakers a conservative report card.

 

[miguel]

Like it's gonna pass the Senate...

 

[deal me in]

Republicans have controlled both houses of congress for over 6 months and what have they done to make government smaller? Nothing. Instead we get more silliness and redundant laws. Even if they win the presidency and control congress they still won't do anything. Liberals and the press will attack their policies and they will back down like the pussies they are.

 

[RockofStrength]

.

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

Republicans have controlled both houses of congress for over 6 months and what have they done to make government smaller? Nothing. Instead we get more silliness and redundant laws. Even if they win the presidency and control congress they still won't do anything. Liberals and the press will attack their policies and they will back down like the pussies they are.

I really don't intend this to be snarky or anything but...how would a Libertarian controlled congress get anything shrinking the size of government past this president?

 

[deal me in]

I really don't intend this to be snarky or anything but...how would a Libertarian controlled congress get anything shrinking the size of government past this president?

Maybe they wouldn't, but why not fight the good fight? Make Obama veto popular tax reform. Defund wasteful spending. Show me that you want to do the right thing and maybe I'll believe in you. But no, they don't want to take any risks, they just want to run against obamas record and hope for the best.

 

[jamil]

Maybe they wouldn't, but why not fight the good fight? Make Obama veto popular tax reform. Defund wasteful spending. Show me that you want to do the right thing and maybe I'll believe in you. But no, they don't want to take any risks, they just want to run against obamas record and hope for the best.

I wish the Republicans would make Obama veto good legislation. Instead they pass dumb ass trade legislation that gives the president even more power.

 

[deal me in]

I wish the Republicans would make Obama veto good legislation. Instead they pass dumb ass trade legislation that gives the president even more power.

I think that trade bill was all about follow the money. Big business and big banking wanted it passed so it got passed. I think that's usually the case when republican leadership and Obama are on the same side.

 

[MAJB Retired]

Republicans have controlled both houses of congress for over 6 months and what have they done to make government smaller? Nothing. Instead we get more silliness and redundant laws. Even if they win the presidency and control congress they still won't do anything. Liberals and the press will attack their policies and they will back down like the pussies they are.

Unfortunately it actually takes 60 votes in he Senate to bring a bill to the floor for debate, and the Republicans are just short of that number.

 

[deal me in]

Unfortunately it actually takes 60 votes in he Senate to bring a bill to the floor for debate, and the Republicans are just short of that number.

Make red state dems vote against tax reform. Make them vote against defunding the irs. Can't remember ever seeing the republicans stand on principle. It's always about winning the next election and never about doing what's right.

 

[edporch]

If our government actually governed by "rule of law", we have the 1st Amendment to the US Constitution,
AND
we have Indiana Constitution
Article 1
Section 3. Freedom of religious opinions
Section 3. No law shall, in any case whatever, control the free exercise and enjoyment of religious opinions, or interfere with the rights of conscience.

 

[MisterChester]

Unfortunately it actually takes 60 votes in he Senate to bring a bill to the floor for debate, and the Republicans are just short of that number.

Super majorities... Always so efficient.