Capitol Corner: The Importance of Protecting Christian, Traditional Values

Statement

I believe in the word of God as it is written in the Bible: that marriage is between one man and one woman. I am disappointed by the Supreme Court's ruling on Obergefell v. Hodges, which requires states to issue and recognize same-sex marriages. The Constitution does not define marriage and the Supreme Court's unelected judges exercised judicial activism by deciding what the Constitution should mean, rather than what it actually says. It should be decided by the people of the state through a democratic process; for the 10th amendment guarantees the states and people rights that are not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution.

Despite the Supreme Court's ruling, many Georgians and I will continue to recognize the traditional definition of marriage because it is a core principal of my Christian faith. As society calls upon us to be tolerant of this new right, so must those who disagree with the ruling have the freedom to oppose it based upon moral or religious values. That includes refusing to perform same-sex marriages or being forced to do business they religiously disagree with - all without fear of retribution from the federal government.

To ensure that those who believe in the Biblical definition are not discriminated against, I co-sponsored H.R. 2802, the First Amendment Defense Act. This bill prohibits the federal government from penalizing persons for their personal moral or religious beliefs of natural marriage in federal employment, grants, contracts, tax treatment, and other programs, and has been endorsed by major conservative groups such as the Family Research Council and the Heritage Foundation. Following the Supreme Court's ruling, many Christian churches fear they'll lose their 501(c)(3) charitable tax-exempt status if they do not perform same-sex marriages. With the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) having a history of discriminating against conservative groups, the First Amendment Defense Act provides protection to organizations that do not believe in same-sex marriage, and makes sure private businesses have the right to turn customers away because of moral objections. Those who believe in traditional marriage would not be punished by the federal government for standing up for their beliefs.

Protecting our religious beliefs and freedoms is embedded in the foundation of our nation and constitution. I will work to ensure that the IRS and Congress are held accountable to protecting the rights of same-sex marriage opponents, and I will continue to fight to protect traditional family values and religious rights.

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