Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to address a pressing problem that concerns Americans' constitutional rights. The liberties enshrined in the Constitution still apply to every American, even in the midst of a national emergency. It is becoming clear to many Americans that our national life has slid toward a double standard. For weeks, officials have asked the public to put life on hold and help fight this virus. The American people did their part and are doing their part, have made sacrifices to help our Nation, and continue to do their part. But throughout this pandemic, we have seen a troubling trend of State leaders leaning on religious institutions harder than any other group or organization. In 2018, Pope Francis, while addressing ``red martyrdom,'' those who face death and persecution on account of their religious beliefs, also warned our nations about ``white martyrdom,'' which occurs in democratic countries when freedom of religion is restricted. So far, lawsuits claiming that State restrictions on religious gatherings infringe on freedom of religion have been filed in Kentucky, California, Louisiana, Virginia, and elsewhere. In Virginia, at Lighthouse Fellowship Church's Palm Sunday service, there were only 16 people present, all properly socially distanced. Yet, the pastor was subjected, Mr. Speaker, to a criminal citation. In Kansas, two churches settled with Democratic Governor Laura Kelly after they sued over her 10-person limit for religious services.…”