Cassidy Statement on Respect for Marriage Act

Press Release

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today voted against the Respect for Marriage Act. His amendment to protect religious freedoms for faith-based organizations was not allowed to receive a vote.

"My amendment would have made necessary improvements to defend religious liberties, but was blocked from receiving a vote," said Dr. Cassidy. "I could not support repealing the Defense of Marriage Act without protecting Catholic adoption agencies or small business owners from endless lawsuits. The culture wars must end on both sides."

Cassidy's amendment would have strengthened protections for religious freedoms and faith-based organizations by:

Preserving the tax-exempt status of religious non-profits
Defending small business owners from being required to provide services that go against their firmly held religious beliefs
Extending religious protections for public accommodations to online platforms
Ensuring that child welfare agencies can continue to provide vital services without fear of adverse government action
Click here to read the text of the amendment.

Source