Ann Wagner: “I thank the gentleman for yielding and for all the work that he has done to protect life and religious freedom. Mr.…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding and for all the work that he has done to protect life and religious freedom. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong disapproval of religious discrimination in the District of Columbia's local government. Mr. Speaker, one of the founding principles of our great country is the freedom to worship without government interference. Our forefathers fought and died for that liberty, and I stand before you today to make sure they did not die in vain. The law passed by the D.C. City Council attacks the core religious beliefs of faith-based organizations, schools, and pro-life advocates. Under this law, these groups could be forced to pay for health services that are in direct conflict with their fundamental religious beliefs. Under this law, a D.C.-based nonprofit whose sole mission is to end abortion could be forced to pay for abortion services. This is not only unacceptable but stands in direct opposition to the Constitution and Federal law. This is why I am proud to cosponsor Congresswoman Black's resolution that formally expresses Congress' disapproval of the D.C. pro-abortion law. I stand here to defend the rights of religious institutions and pro-life companies to honor their faith and respect the sanctity of life. Mr. Speaker, I believe that life is our greatest gift.…”