21 Jewish Democrats Demand Trump Observe Religious Freedom

[rug]

By Marcy Oster
February 19, 2017

(JTA) — More than 20 Democratic Jewish members of the House of Representatives called on President Donald Trump to not sign an Executive Order that would exempt religious organizations from adhering to nondiscrimination protection.

The letter sent on Thursday was in reaction to news reports that Trump would sign the order allowing federally funded, faith-based organizations to discriminate against people they believe act in a manner inconsistent with their religious beliefs and values.

“The use of religious faith as a tool to discriminate contradicts a core American value, and the principles of social justice and equality so central to our Jewish faith,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D.-Fla., a signer of the letter, in a statement issued from her office. “The ability to worship and believe in accordance with one’s faith is a cherished freedom, but it does not override the rights of other Americans to live their truth, to receive necessary health care services, or seek employment. There should be no policy, carve-out, or exemption that would enable federally funded religious organizations to discriminate against others.”

Among the lifestyles objected to by the faith-based organizations, which could include some Orthodox Jewish organizations, are same-sex marriage, premarital sex, abortion and transgender identity.

http://forward.com/news/breaking-news/363615/21-jewish-democrats-demand-trump-observe-religious-freedom/

https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/uploads/2016.02.16%20Jewish%20Member%20Letter%20on%20Nondiscrimination%20Protections%20FINAL1.pdf

[Soxfan58]

1. I think the point should also be

There shouldn't be any federally funded religious groups period!!!!!