JUDICIARY COMMITTEE REJECTS CONTROVERSIAL RELIGIOUS “FREEDOM” BILL

Opponents say bill provides legal cover for discrimination

AUGUSTA – This afternoon, in a 8-4 vote, the Judiciary Committee voted against a controversial bill that opponents say would allow people to use their religious beliefs as a reason for breaking laws, including non-discrimination laws such as the Human Rights Act.

“I support and believe strongly in the First Amendment which provides for religious freedom,” said Democratic Senator Linda Valentino of Saco, the Senate Chair of the committee. “This bill would do nothing more than foster and legalize discrimination. We’ve come too far to take such a drastic step backward.”

During the public hearing on the bill, Apollo Karara of Portland, a survivor of the genocide in Rwanda, spoke about his experiences coming to America to escape persecution and asked the committee to oppose the bill. “As a Christian, I am glad that I have the freedom to practice my religion. But I know firsthand how dangerous it can be to decide that your personal beliefs entitle you to break laws that protect us all,” said Karara. “I came to America for safety and freedom–please do not take that away.”

The Maine Medical Association, the Religious Coalition Against Discrimination, the Maine Education Association, the Maine Human Rights Commission, and Attorney General Janet Mills all opposed the bill, which would allow anyone who claims that a law or regulation burdens their religious freedom, or thinks their religious freedom will be burdened, to sue for monetary damages.

The bill makes no exceptions for civil rights, health care, criminal behavior, or public safety.

Valentino added, “One danger of this measure is the unintended consequences. Because your religion ‘says so’ does not mean you have carte blanche to break the law.”

The bill, LD 1428, “An Act to Protect Religious Freedom,” will now be sent to the Senate for further votes.

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