Harris Votes "No' on So-Called Equality Act

Statement

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) today voted against H.R. 5, the Equality Act. Proponents of the legislation argue that it is necessary to protect minority populations and discourage discrimination -- however, the bill would instead mandate ideological conformity and acceptance of sexual orientation and gender identity politics. Of particular concern, this bill would mandate that health care providers must perform procedures, such as abortion, sterilization, and sex reassignment surgery, even when it violates their deeply held moral convictions or religious beliefs.

Congressman Harris issued the following statement

"President Biden and liberals in Congress are at it again, this time trying to jam through radical legislation that will jeopardize individuals' freedom of religion and shove leftist identity politics down Americans' throats. This bill compromises women's right to privacy, safety, and fair competition -- and blatantly negates individuals' rights under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a bipartisan bill signed into law by President Clinton decades ago. The so-called Equality Act will not unify our country. Instead, it will further sow division by pitting us against each other and trampling our rights of self-determination and religious freedom. There are better ways we can fight discrimination while protecting individuals' freedom of belief."

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