A few days ago, I described a pending House bill that would gut the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Now, I find out that my a bunch of Democrat U.S. Senators have introduced a bill that would require pharmacists to dispense contraception–even if violative of religious faith.
First, the bill would make access to contraception a “fundamental right.” From, the “Access to Birth Control Act:”
Access to legal contraception is a protected fundamental right in the United States and should not be impeded by one individual’s personal beliefs.
Isn’t this just like Democrats? Turn something they believe is a good policy into an enforceable right.
Since the government doesn’t dispense most contraception, that means the government must coerce those who do into dispensing–even if it violates their religious beliefs
First, kiss the RFRA goodbye:
The Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 shall not provide a claim concerning this section, or a defense to a claim under this section, or provide a basis for challenging the application or enforcement of this section.
Then, with the RFRA’s shield removed, fine the offender for following their religion, and open them up to lawsuits:
(1) CIVIL PENALTY.—A pharmacy that violates a requirement of subsection (a) is liable to the United States for a civil penalty in an amount not exceeding $1,000 per day of violation, not to exceed $100,000 for all violations adjudicated in a single proceeding. “
(2) PRIVATE CAUSE OF ACTION.—Any person aggrieved as a result of a violation of a requirement of subsection (a) may, in any court of competent jurisdiction, commence a civil action against the pharmacy involved to obtain appropriate relief, including actual and punitive damages, injunctive relief, and a reasonable attorney’s fee and cost. “(3) LIMITATIONS.—A civil action under paragraph (1) or (2) may not be commenced against a pharmacy after the expiration of the 5-year period beginning on the date on which the pharmacy allegedly engaged in the violation involved.
And don’t think this kind of oppressive federalization would stop at birth control. The same thing could later be applied to “medical” abortions and the drugs for assisted suicide.
Religious liberty is on the line in this election. If the Democrats take control of the government, be prepared to kiss what little is left of it, goodbye.