Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, when it comes to religious exemptions, a balance must be struck. The rights of religious followers must be protected while also respecting the beliefs of others who may be impacted by a religious exemption. Take, for example, a Catholic university where Jews, Hindus, Muslims, and non-religious followers work. Should these individuals be denied access to contraception even though their faiths do not oppose it? If we expand the religious exemption too far and allow religiously affiliated institutions to deny contraception to their employees regardless of their religious beliefs, we begin to see the beliefs and rights of those who support and require contraception infringed upon. As policymakers, we have to stand up for the rights of all of our constituents regardless of their faiths. This means making policies that walk the line between protecting the rights of primarily religious institutions while also protecting the rights of individuals employed by religiously affiliated institutions. The administration's exemption strikes that balance. I yield to the gentlewoman from California.”