Dear Sen. Tomlinson and Rep. Digirolamo.
This Bill is an "in your face" rejection of Catholic and Judeo / Christian moral teaching. This Bill is discriminatory against the Catholic church in particular as they are the only Christian denomination that has not wavered from Christian doctrine.
Therefore I join in writing in reference to HB/SB 300, which seeks to add "gender identity or expression" and "sexual orientation" to Pennsylvania's non-discrimination law. Simply put, this legislation is intolerant and prejudiced against people of faith.
Changing the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) to protect people based on sexual attraction and behavior will jeopardize many churches and their charitable outreach. There are many examples of the impact this law can have, namely, the shuttering of Catholic adoption agencies. It is clear that our religious liberty will be trampled by HB/SB 300 - Catholic charitable ministries will no longer be able to make contributions to the common good of Pennsylvania without violating their religious beliefs.
To make matters worse, the law could also cause conflicts for private business owners with legitimate religious and moral concerns. A complaint was levied with the Human Rights Commission against a Kentucky t-shirt manufacturer because because their religious beliefs dictated that they decline to print t-shirts for a gay rights rally. Other examples of businesses suffering for standing up for their beliefs include photographers, cake bakeries and a cookie shop. All are given the unfair choice: close your business or violate your beliefs.
As your constituent, I am quite concerned that HB/SB 300 will run afoul of religious freedom and expose even more Pennsylvanians to discrimination. Please vote NO on HB/SB 300.
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