Late last Thursday afternoon we received word that the so-called 'Equality Act' was formally introduced.  In the House it is H.R. 5.  The Senate Bill, though drafted, is waiting for a bill number.  Some have called this 'The Criminalization of Christianity Act' for the impact it would have upon churches and Christian ministries across the country.  As Joe Biden ran for President he promised this as a top legislative agenda point to be passed in his first 100 days.  It is moving like greased lightning in the House of Representatives.

Joining Jim to look at this critical issue was constitutional attorney Mat Staver. Mat is the founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel.

Before weighing in on the main topic, Jim had Mat comment on a number of other issues including:

• Today the U.S. Supreme Court decided it won't be resolving disputes arising from the 2020 elections where state officials violated their own state laws. 3 justices, including Thomas, Gorsuch and Alito, have warned that failing to bring a conclusion to this issue could result in catastrophic consequences. Justice Thomas said that for the high court to refuse to address this is a concern in itself.
• Today was the beginning of confirmation hearings for Merrick Garland who was nominated by President Biden to be the U.S. Attorney General.
• Tomorrow (Tuesday) morning at 10am Eastern Time, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions will meet in a hearing in consideration of Xavier Beccera to be the next Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Back on February 18th, H.R. 5, the so-called 'Equality Act' was introduced.  It was immediately sent to five separate committees for hearings.  On Friday morning, President Biden 'tweeted' the following:

'The Equality Act provides long overdue federal civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ Americans, preventing discrimination in our housing, education, public services and lending systems.  I urge Congress to swiftly pass this historic legislation.'

According to Mat, this is the most radical bill to ever come out of Congress and if passed, it will affect the following: Employers, online retailers and service providers, religious and non-profit organizations, contractors, houses of worship, churches, schools (public, private and religious), colleges, universities, sports, hiring, curriculum, restroom usage, daycare providers, shelters, hospitals, adoption and foster care, and even places of gathering with no numerical limit as to what that would be.

As this broadcast progressed, Jim had Mat look at a number of other factors related to this issue, especially as it pertains to churches and religious freedom: 

• How does the Religious Freedom Restoration Act affect this?
• What is the standard that determines a cause of action so that this legislation doesn't become a haven for harassing lawsuits?
• Is conversion therapy affected by this legislation? 

There's much more to this issue and you can hear it all when you review this critical program.

More Information

You can contact your representatives at the following numbers:

202-225-3121 (House)

202-224-3121 (Senate)

lc.org/hr5

lcaction.org/hr5