Sean Patrick Maloney: “I rise in opposition. Religious freedom flourishes in America. Individuals already have the right to pray, talk about…”

“I rise in opposition. Religious freedom flourishes in America. Individuals already have the right to pray, talk about their beliefs, express their spirituality, and read scriptures, whether they are in a school, in a courthouse, or on the street. The most precious thing about that freedom is that it protects individuality. It forces no leaders and demands no followers. The so-called Religious Freedom Amendment would rob Americans of their individuality. It would break down the barriers between church and State and permit individuals to force their beliefs on others. Mr. Speaker, this amendment allows the government to endorse a particular religion by displaying certain symbols. It allows the government to fund sectarian groups and creates the likelihood that some groups will be excluded. Recently conducted polls show that Americans are pleased about their current religious freedom. More than 60 groups representing dozens of faiths are speaking out against this bill. We cannot let one voice take away our freedoms. We must not let the political right take away our religious right. Vote against this.”