Religious freedom advocates have expressed deep disappointment about congressional leaders’ failure to protect the rights of faith-based
organizations in a national defense bill.
The reaction came after it was revealed Nov. 29 the Russell Amendment would not be included in the final version of the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which designates nearly $620 billion in spending for the armed services.
The Russell Amendment — sponsored by Southern Baptist Congressman Steve Russell of Oklahoma — would have protected the rights of nonprofit religious contractors to maintain hiring practices in keeping with their beliefs. The House of Representatives passed NDAA with the Russell Amendment included, but a conference committee of legislators named to work out the differences between the versions approved by the congressional chambers failed to keep it in the final report.
Some politicians labeled the amendment as discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.
Senate Democrats threatened to filibuster the bill if it retained the provision and President Barack Obama warned he would veto it.
The measure is the latest battleground in the ongoing conflict between religious liberty and sexual liberty.
‘Moral and political tragedy’
Southern Baptist religious freedom leader Russell Moore described the removal of the Russell Amendment as “a moral and political tragedy.”
“Faith-based organizations that meet the needs of people in crisis deserve to be protected and promoted, not leveraged in culture war,” said Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. “Conscience freedom and compassion are not enemies.” (BP)
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