Washington, DC – Interfaith Alliance President, Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy issued the following statement today following the reintroduction of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) by Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA).

Representative Barney Frank acted in the best interest of democracy by introducing a fully-inclusive version of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. A commitment to the defense of both faith and freedom has motivated Interfaith Alliance to work hard to ensure that ENDA will ban workplace discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees, while also including religious exemption language that would protect religious employers’ constitutional rights.

Unlike some on the radical religious right, we believe a vibrant democracy guarantees the protection of civil rights for everybody with no exception for sexual orientation. Interfaith Alliance will seek to counter the voices of a few religious people who falsely claim to represent all religious people as they attempt to quash ENDA and thus compromise religious freedom. Passage of a fully inclusive ENDA, with appropriate religious exemptions, will be a victory for democracy and cause for celebration among all who value religious freedom.

Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.