On October 6, the U.S. DOJ issued a “Religious Freedom” guidance memo that undermines certain rights that have been deemed constitutional – marriage equality and reproductive rights – using the pretext of the First Amendment freedom of religion canon. The memo is provided to the left. Implementing this guidance will likely be challenged by a number of organizations that fight discriminatory action and those challenges may find themselves at the U.S. Supreme Court, whereby a number of recent rulings, such as Windsor v. U.S. and the cases supporting Windsor may be overruled. Those cases include not only marriage equality but also abortion rights’ case law.
The seriousness of this action cannot be understated. Our office is currently reviewing this guidance and its implementation instructions with all due thoroughness as the implications on the families we serve could be dire. Thus, we urge all citizens who support equality to be especially vigilant with respect to your civic duties.
