Conaway: H.R. 5 Violates Constitutional Rights to Freedom of Religion and Speech

Statement

Friday, Congressman Mike Conaway (TX-11) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 5, the so-called Equality Act:

"House Democrats are continuing their crusade to put the federal government at the center of every aspect of life, at the expense of women, children, and families across America. H.R. 5 overrules state and local entities, preventing schools, businesses, and communities from determining who is allowed in single sex facilities such as locker rooms and bathrooms. There would be nothing stopping biological men and boys from choosing to use women's and girls' bathrooms and locker rooms, putting sexual assault victims and children at risk of those who will undoubtably abuse H.R. 5 for their own perverted pleasure. Biological men and boys would also be allowed to join women's and girls' sports teams, eroding long standing protections for women's sports under Title IX.

"Equally troubling is the impact this legislation will have on doctors and nurses, who would be forced to ignore their medical training and expertise at the whim of transgender activists. Medical professionals who have religious or moral objections to performing abortion-related services or gender-transition therapy would be required to do so under H.R. 5, or face serious criminal and civil penalties.

"This bill prioritizes a small group of Americans over the vast majority, gives more weight to the federal government in making health care decisions for our children than parents or doctors, and destroys the long and important history of women's sports under Title IX. At its core, H.R. 5 is a violation of our constitutional rights to freedom of religion and speech. I'm shocked and saddened that we have to have this conversation, but I will always vote to protect the rights of American families."

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