WASHINGTON – Interfaith Alliance President Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy issued the following statement celebrating the growing trend of same-gender marriage legalization and expressed concern about the corresponding trend of religious freedom exemptions:
It is thrilling to watch the wave of states enacting marriage equality laws continue to move across the nation, with Delaware and Minnesota being the latest to do so. Still, I wish that the inclusion of religious exemptions—even those which are benign—were not part of this continued trend. I continue to believe the First Amendment and existing laws already protect religious freedom, and that ensuring the civil rights of LGBT Americans is not at odds with respecting religious freedom. Yet, it is still a victory when more government entities recognize that our civil laws on marriage cannot continue to be based on one theological perspective of who can or should be allowed to marry.
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.