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GOP Lawmakers Use New-Found Leverage to Protect Religious Freedoms

CBN

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House Republicans are trying to add protections for religious freedom to the new defense spending bill, and they may have leverage now that they've just won the election.

The bill would protect the rights of defense contractors when it comes to the clash between religious rights and gay issues.

Republicans argue the measure merely builds on existing law by ensuring that faith-based organizations that perform work for the U.S. government aren't forced to act against their beliefs.

Democrats and LGBT leaders are calling for the provision to not be included, saying it leads to "discrimination" against gay and lesbian employees.

The measure is known as the Russell amendment, named after its sponsor, Rep. Steve Russell, R-Okla.

 "I think the election gives congressional Republicans a lot more leverage on this issue," Justin Johnson of the Heritage Foundation said.

"They don't have to be too worried about a veto threat because the situation only improves next year."

Although much of president-elect Donald Trump's agenda on social issues remains unclear, he assured conservatives during the campaign that he would place a high priority on religious liberty.

 

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