News ReleaseGovernor Mike Pence
For Immediate Release: March 30, 2015
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

AFA of PA Stands with Indiana

(Harrisburg) — Attacks on Governor Mike Pence and Indiana legislators who want to protect the religious freedom of their citizens should be a wake-up call to all who cherish freedom in this nation. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide organization advocating for the freedom of religion, applauds Governor Pence for doing the right thing and signing into law the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), modeled after the 1993 federal law passed unanimously in the US House, by a vote of 97-3 in the US Senate and signed by President Bill Clinton.

” Back in 1993 the federal RFRA was supported by liberals and conservatives alike. It was introduced in the House by Congressman Chuck Schumer. The only opposition to the bill came in the Senate with Jesse Helms, Robert Byrd and Harlan Mathews voting against it.   Now fast-forward 22 years later and outrageously liberals oppose any attempt to protect the religious freedom of Americans. The attacks on the state of Indiana are appalling,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

The misinformation being portrayed by the media and homosexual activists as truth does a disservice to uninformed Americans. The Indiana RFRA establishes a judicial review standard state courts must follow when they consider cases where government action is alleged to substantially burden an individual’s exercise of religion.

RFRA protects the rights of everyone, regardless of their religious affiliation or lack thereof.   Not only can the Christian owners of a bakery refuse to write an inscription on the wedding cake of a gay couple, but the black owners of a T-shirt business don’t have to print the KKK’s burning crosses on shirts, and Jewish owners of a gift shop don’t have to put Nazi symbols on coffee cups.

“The attacks by homosexual activists make their intentions very clear — they do not want equality, they want to use the force of law to demand everyone celebrate their lifestyle. Homosexual activists and some in the corporate world want the right of conscience to become obsolete in America.   That is why it is important for states to take the steps necessary to protect the First Amendment rights of their citizens. Are Pennsylvania legislators ready to take that step?” questioned Gramley.

# # #

Print Friendly, PDF & Email