Issue Position: Religious Freedom

Issue Position

The Affordable Health Care Act (ACA) stirred unprecedented concerns for religious employers after it became law. ACA mandated that contraceptives, abortive drugs, and abortions be paid for by employers even when they held religious and moral objections. The Ohio House moved 56 to 38 to protect these employers by passing the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act. (My opponent voted NO on the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act less than one month after he took the oath of office.)

If conscientious employers cannot be forced to buy what is offensive, then owners cannot be forced into a selling transaction that violates their beliefs. We need strong public policy that deters bullying of business owners when they say no. Lawsuits aimed at punishing those who choose not to do business for conscience's sake not only attempt to deny religious freedom, they hurt the economy and threaten jobs. Clear policy in Ohio will prevent lawsuits, protect families, save jobs, and keep us open for business.

Thomas Jefferson wrote, "No provision in our constitution ought to be dearer to man, than that which protects the rights of conscience against the enterprises of the civil authority…" We live out our religious beliefs and moral values in the choices we make at work, running a business, at a church or religious organization, at school, or while shopping. We are entitled to freedom from fear of lawsuits (aka "enterprises of the civil authority"). We need to be protected from bullies in the market place. I am for strengthening public policy that protects citizens by preserving Rights of Conscience and religious freedom in Ohio.

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