CONTACT: J.P. Duffy or Alice Chao, (866) FRC-NEWS or (866)-372-6397
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.J. Res. 43, a resolution meant to block the District of Columbia’s Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act (RHNDA). Congress has constitutional authority over all D.C. laws. This historic action marks the first time in 25 years Congress has moved to block a measure passed by the District of Columbia government.
Family Research Council Legislative Assistant Jamie Dangers released the following statement in reaction:
“I applaud the House of Representatives for passing Rep. Diane Black’s disapproval resolution blocking a District of Columbia measure that harms pro-life organizations. Passage of this resolution is one step in the right direction in restoring the First Amendment for D.C.
“The new law violates the basic freedom of organizations in the District to operate according to their sincerely held beliefs on elective abortion. No one should be forced to participate in abortion advocacy against their beliefs. Congress has constitutional authority over all District laws and acts properly when it disapproves a bill that undermines the principles contained in multiple federal laws blocking government discrimination against pro-life individuals and organizations such as Family Research Council, which object to abortion. H.J.Res.43 recognizes these serious problems and outlines Congress’ disapproval of this bill designed to prevent pro-life entities from operating in accordance with their moral or religious beliefs.
“Now that the House has done the right thing, it’s time for the Senate to act and stop the D.C. Council’s blatant disregard of basic Constitutional rights,” Dangers concluded.
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