Scott Statement on Fulton V. City of Philadelphia

Press Release

Chairman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03) released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court's decision in Fulton v. City of Philadelphia.

"The City of Philadelphia lost in today's Supreme Court case because of technical issue in a contract. As a result, Philadelphia will have to give taxpayer money to a religiously-affiliated organization that may discriminate against potential foster parents. However, this decision was ultimately a victory, because moving forward the broader implication is if the contract language is drafted differently, "religious liberty' cannot be used as an excuse for discrimination.

"If nothing else, this is further evidence that Congress must pass the Do No Harm Act to protect religious activities but also prevent the use of those protections from eroding civil rights. Moreover, this bill prevents the Religious Freedom Restoration Act from being used to limit access to health care, deny services supported by taxpayer dollars, or undermine the Civil Rights Act or other anti-discrimination protections.

"I hope the Court's opinion will spur my colleagues to address the continued misuse of religious freedom to undermine the civil rights of Americans across the country."

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