John Bel Edwards: “this motion should be called the ``religious job discrimination act.'' As a person of faith who believes strongly in the…”

“this motion should be called the ``religious job discrimination act.'' As a person of faith who believes strongly in the good work of faith-based groups, I rise to passionately oppose this ill-advised motion, a motion also opposed by the Baptist Joint Committee, the American Jewish Committee, the Episcopal Church, and the NAACP. Our principle is simple but deeply profound. No American, not one, should ever have to pass another American's private religious test to qualify for a tax-funded Federal job. Not one American. Mr. Speaker, I shouldn't have to pass Mr. McKeon's test if I am applying for a Head Start job program, and he should not have to pass my religious test. The fact is that no group in America, which would be possible under this motion, should be able to accept a $1 million Head Start tax-funded grant and then literally, with your tax dollars in mind, put up a sign that says no Jews nor Catholics need apply here for a federally funded job. To do so is morally wrong. To do so is constitutionally wrong. No American, no American, not one, should ever have to choose between being true to his or her private religious faith and having a federally funded, tax-funded job. This motion will harm the Head Start program. It will harm the work of faith-based groups. Vote ``yes'' for Head Start and ``no'' for this motion to recommit.”