Disapproval of District of Columbia Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Act of 2014

Floor Speech

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Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.J. Res. 43, a joint resolution of Congress, which is needed to protect the conscience rights of pro-life employers that operate in the District of Columbia. Under DC's home rule law, Congress has a time period in which to review DC-passed legislation.

In January, DC Mayor Bowser signed the Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act (RHNNDA). This measure would, in part, ban employers from making personnel decisions based on an individual's decisions relating to abortion and other reproductive health issues.

RHNNDA would have the force of law and specifically discriminate against pro-life employers by potentially forcing them to hire and retain individuals who advocate for policies that run counter to the employer's mission.

Pro-life organizations, including those who exist to advance pro-life policies, should not be forced by the DC government to hire individuals who hold and advocate for positions
that run counter to the core values of that organization. Christian schools and pro-life organizations should not be required to cover ``reproductive health decisions'' in their health care plans that are counter to their core pro-life convictions.

This DC law amounts to coercion and should have no place in the nation's capital, or any jurisdiction for that matter. This is a step too far and H.J. Res. 43 restores these fundamental conscience rights.

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