Author: Diane Gramley

The purpose of the First Amendment Defense Act was to guarantee federal bureaucrats will never have the authority to require those who believe in the traditional definition of marriage to choose between their living in accordance with those beliefs and maintaining their occupation, their tax status, or their eligibility to receive grants, licenses or contracts.

In light of the comments from Solicitor General Donald Verrilli during oral arguments in the Obergefell case, it became quite clear that the Obama Administration would be okay with the IRS revoking the tax-exempt status of religious institutions (including schools) that believe marriage should be only between a man and a woman. The need for a First Amendment Defense Act is great.